The Arizona Coyotes have traded Antoine Vermette to the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2015 1st round pick and Klas Dahlbeck
The 32-year old Vermette was drafted 55th overall in the 2nd round of the 2000 draft by the Senators. He carries a $3.75 million cap hit.
The 23-year old Dahlbeck was drafted 79th overall in the third round of the 2011 draft.
Thoughts from the media:
9:55 PM
- Brian Hedger: “Actually, Vermette’s career faceoff win percentage is 58.5% and he’s at 58.1% this year. Going to help a lot, esp special teams. #Blackhawks”
- Bob McKenzie: “Vermette was informed of the trade just before ARI plane took off from BOS. Vermette will fly back to ARI with team. Join CHI later.”
- Craig Morgan: ‘Oddly, spoke to 2 NHL execs earlier this season who thought Dahlbeck should’ve been playing w/Hawks this season over current 5-6 guys.”
- Corey Pronman: “I’m a Vermette fan….he’s a good middle six F, very good defense and utility capabilities. CHI has strong system to leverage that pick.”
- Craig Morgan: “Klas Dahlbeck is listed at 6-3, 207 pounds. Hawks’ 3rd-round pick in 2011 (79th overall). Stay-at-home D-man w/some offense in his game.”
9:50 PM
- Andy Tonge: “Have to feel that a first and a prospect is slight overpayment for Vermette. Good player, no doubt, but still slightly high price to pay.”
- Brian Hedger: “Another hefty price, but Vermette is going to really help #Blackhawks down the middle. His career faceoff win percentage is 58.1%”
- Thomas Drance: “When Toews/Kane extensions kick in, CHI will be selling. This is the last kick at the can before restocking like in 2010. Pay the premium.”
- Nicholas Goss: “Chicago overpaid for Vermette. Bruins smart to stay away at that price.”
- Bruce Arthur: “The Blackhawks pay large, but when you’re aiming for a title, you pay large”
- Joe Haggerty: “Vermette goes to CHI for a 1st round pick & prospect. That would’ve been a high rental price for team like the B’s for less than perfect fit”
- Thomas Drance: “Vermette gives the Blackhawks three centremen with a FO% above 54.5 percent (Toews, Krueger).”
- Andy Strickland: “Shouldn’t be shocked Vermette fetched a 1st rounder…probably the most sought after player avail at deadline”
What do you think of the trade?
Antoine Vermette
Klas Dahlbeck