The Chicago Blackhawks trade Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith to Detroit for Joe Veleno

The Chicago Blackhawks have found Petr Mrazek a new home.

Heading into the NHL trade deadline, it was going to be incredibly difficult for GM Kyle Davidson to move Mrazek. The 33-year-old goaltender has struggled, carries a $4.25 million cap hit for this season and next, and the team had no leverage because they already announced Mrazek was no longer part of the goalie tandem. 

Yet, somehow Davidson was able to find a taker for Mrazek, sending him along with veteran forward Craig Smith to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for 25-year-old forward Joe Veleno.

This is a good trade for both teams.

Mrazek returns to the organization that drafted him and gets a chance to start while the Hawks add a young NHLer to their lineup.

Though Mrazek’s time in the Windy City came to an unceremonious end, his goaltending style was always entertaining, and he gave the team a chance in most games he started. Smith only spent six months with the team, but he provided leadership and modest production in a fourth line role.

Veleno was drafted 30th overall by Detroit in 2018. He was once a highly touted prospect and even gained Exceptional Player Status to compete in the QMJHL a year early. He posted a career-high 12 goals and 28 points last season but has struggled this season, managing just five goals and 10 points through 56 games.

Veleno was clearly a player in desperate need of a change of scenery and should get an opportunity to play more than fourth line minutes, especially with Jason Dickinson still out with an injury. He is making $2.25 million this season and next.

Overall, this is a very solid trade for Davidson. He managed to turn two low value assets into a former first-round pick who could have some untapped offensive potential.