The Chicago Blackhawks have gotten some salary cap relief for next season by trading defenseman Cam Barker to the Minnesota Wild for defenseman Kim Johnsson and prospect Nick Leddy.
Johnsson has a cap number of $4.85 million ($5.3 salary) this season, but is a UFA at seasons end. Barker is $3.083 cap hit until 2011-12.
Leddy was a 2009 1st round pick by the Wild, drafted 16th overall. According to Michael Russo, the Wild were concerned with his developement this year.
The Blackhawks cap number for next year is now in the $57-58 million range.