Chicago Blackhawks’ Trade-Deadline Deals Have Been Hit And Miss

February 27th, 2012: Blackhawks trade 2013 second- and third-round picks to Winnipeg in exchange for Johnny Oduya
This trade was an absolute slam dunk considering Oduya was a huge part of both 2013 and 2015 Stanley Cup teams. His stout defense and quick outlet passes on the breakout gave Blackhawks forwards ample opportunities on the rush.
Oduya was paired with his fellow Swedish countryman Nicklas Hjalmarsson, which on many teams would be a top pairing. They weren’t known for their offense even though both guys have an underrated shot from the point.
Was it worth it?
Here’s what Winnipeg did with what it got in return:
— Winnipeg traded Chicago’s 2013 second-round pick to Washington in exchange for its third- and fourth-round picks in 2013 and Calgary’s fifth-round pick.
— The Jets used all these picks to draft Jimmy Lodge, Jan Kostalek, Tucker Poolman and JC Lipon
Since Lipon is the only prospect that has seen NHL ice, it’s still to be determined whether Winnipeg was able to capitalize on this trade. But considering the ‘Hawks were able to win two Cups with Oduya, I’d say this trade was clearly worth it.
February 27th, 2012: Blackhawks trade John Scott to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2012 fifth-round pick.
After spending a couple seasons with the Blackhawks, it was clear Scott didn’t fit in with what the Blackhawks were trying to do. He was slow and nobody really knew what position he played.
Although he never was very productive, he protected Blackhawks’ top stars when opposing players attempted to take liberties on them. His size and strength created David vs. Goliath fights with the league’s top enforcers.
Was it worth it?
The Blackhawks drafted Travis Brown with the Rangers’ 2012 fifth-round pick, and he is no longer in the Blackhawks system. It’s hard to say whether this trade was worth it, but the ’Hawks parting ways with Scott and getting a draft pick out of it was beneficial at the time.
Side note:The Scott trade opened up a roster spot which was filled by calling up Rockford IceHog Andrew Shaw … and the rest is history.