[dammage79]

Stolen. The topic of the Russell trade was so many people would've been pleased as punch walking out of that trade with Jokipakka alone. I agree.

Right age, right player type, right size and skill set. Just fits into the team dynamic like a glove.

The guy may have had the wind taken out of his sails a bit when the trade happened but even he may have to admit now how well of a fit he is for this team. I'm so impressed with his play. Just makes next to no mistakes.

I put it out there a week or so ago and it's beginning to be echoed the last couple of days in that Jokipakka has those intangibles that Nik Hjalmersson has and is unsung with the Hawks. Unsung from a casual non-blackhawks fan. But folks who follow closely know he's a big time piece to their top 6.

Call me nuts but I feel so much better about this acquisition than I did with the Hamilton trade. And thats not to say I wasn't giddy with that trade.