Hawks - Panthers Trade

[Pepper2489]

The Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers have agreed to the following deal:

To Chicago: D Brooks Orpik, G Michal Neuwrith, 2nd (NYR) 2009

To Florida: D Shane Hnidy, G Leland Irving, 4th (WAS) 2009, 4th (PIT) 2009

From the Panthers point of view, this is basically a trade of Orpik for Irving with Hnidy being thrown in to replace Orpik. A slight drop on D but the chance to have the Flames 'Goalie of the Future' makes it worthwhile.

[cphlblackhawks]

On the Hawks side, we've been looking for an upgrade on D for a long time and although Irving is a big piece to give up in this league we feel we get a nice contract and a good second tier defenseman immediately and for the next couple years.

[simmer2]

It's tough finding upgrades on defense right now, so this makes sense for the Hawks. I like it for FLA a bit more though because I feel Orpik got somewhat overrated after playoffs; and I like Irving a fair bit. FLA's goaltending situation isn't great either so this gives them a bonafied goaltending prospect.

[Prototype]

Man, who hasn't traded for Irving?

[I wanna be like Miikka]

Not sure what to think about this one, my brain is hurting so I'll just call it a win-win!