In exchange for an ECHL player, a fourth-line center, and a depth defenseman the Blackhawks picked up very nice additions.
Stan Bowman… I didn’t have very much hope going into the trade deadline but these two moves have been amazing.
Vinnie Hinostroza for Brad Morrison is an incredible trade as Hinostroza has already produced two points in two games. He plays with great energy and grit, something the rest of the team can follow, and has an underrated offensive upside to his game.
He has developed quick chemistry with Dominik Kubalik as well, which is always a good sign. Brad Morrison is an ECHL player, maybe an AHL depth player at best so trading him for Hinostroza was a great move.
The next trade was Lucas Wallmark and Lucas Carlsson for Riley Stillman, Brett Connolly, and Henrik Borgstrom. This is an absolute steal for the Blackhawks as Brett Connolly has a 3.5 mil contract for the next two years, so it’s not anything significant.
But to take it on, the Blackhawks receive a promising young defenseman in Riley Stillman, who has a nasty edge to his game and willing to fight anyone on the ice if needed. He doesn’t play very much, but he has potential to be a force on the Blackhawks’ blue line.
Then, they add Henrik Borgstrom to the package, a player with high offensive upside. A tall player with amazing speed for his size, handles, and a wicked shot. His highlight reel shows himself deking opposing defensemen out, then shooting a laser of a shot to the net. His accuracy is incredible what if he flourishes and becomes the monster he’s projected to become? The Blackhawks win this trade by a landslide.
In only two trades with the Panthers, Stan Bowman has fleeced them both times. Bowman has been talking to almost every team by this point, and with another Blackhawks loss, more moves are to come.
The Blackhawks have added players for their present situation in Vinnie Hinostroza and Brett Connolly, and their future in Henrik Borgstrom and Riley Stillman. This is only the start of the moves the Blackhawks may do, but if this sets the tone for what the Blackhawks will do next and fleece more teams? I’m all for it.