It wasn't exactly a strategy during the draft, but the Chicago Blackhawks knew that some teams would have trouble keeping all of their quality roster players on their pro roster within the salary cap and roster requirements.
Today, the Hawks made another waiver claim, selecting Janne Niinimaa from the New York Rangers.
"Dave and I talked, and with a significant amount of cap room, Janne slides in nicely into our top six. We also talked to Janne's agent to let him know that if Janne helps us turn the ship around, then great, if not, we would try to move him to a contender at the deadline."
With the move, the Hawks then demoted young blueliner Ryan Suter to the minors. "Ryan needs to play, and play a lot in all situtaions. He should be in our top 4 next season, and that is something we really need, is the development of these kids."
The Hawks weren't sure if Niinimaa would make the flight in time for tonight's game, but would play if he was available.
lol I was looking at the transactions page last night and thinking to myself wow Chicago really got screwed in that trade
__________________
To NYIslander: Daniel Tjarnqvist, Duvie Westcott, Ilja Bryzgalov, Pat Rissmiller, Tom Poti, Bjorn Melin, Karri Ramo, Tom Gilbert
To Boston: Chris Pronger, Doug Murray, Jocelyn Thibault, Ken Klee, Wade Brookbank, Denis Istomin, Viktor Dovgan
To NYIslander: Daniel Tjarnqvist, Duvie Westcott, Ilja Bryzgalov, Pat Rissmiller, Tom Poti, Bjorn Melin, Karri Ramo, Tom Gilbert
To Boston: Chris Pronger, Doug Murray, Jocelyn Thibault, Ken Klee, Wade Brookbank, Denis Istomin, Viktor Dovgan
Hawks_G wrote: Truthfully, if we don't turn it around, nearer the deadline, he is a mid/late pick, mid/long range prospect from moving someone looking for depth.
Zero risk, potential reward type move.
Yeah he's alright. and Matt he'd be my 6th d-man and he's not enough of an upgrade over Meyer or Pothier to pay an extra 2M
