In a move reflective of their up and down season the Chicago Blackhawks moved one of their top prospects today in a move designed to shore up the team longer term.
The Blackhawks sent Paul Stastny to the NYR in exchange for centre Michael Handzus and San Jose's first pick in the 2007 BRHL2 Entry draft. That gives the Hawks four picks in the first round of the draft next year.
"It was tough to move Stastny. We figure he is going to be a good player for a lot of years. But getting a good number two centre and what will be a top 10 pick in the draft is something that was too solid to pass up."
The Blackhawks co-GM David Yee agreed. "Handzus has had some injury problems in the past, but we don't think it will hurt him that much next season. He can rehab slowly and when next year rolls around, we are going to be in much better shape. Huet is looking good, Havlat and Thornton will continue to be solid. It is a pretty bright future for the organization."
