Instant Analysis: Cam Barker goes into the Wild
The Blackhawks and Wild squeezed in a deal just before the 3 p.m. Olympic trade freeze.
The Trade
To Chicago: D Kim Johnsson and D Nick Leddy
To Minnesota: D Cam Barker
From Chicago’s Standpoint
While it has been widely reported that the Blackhawks were willing to part with some depth players to take some pressure off of their cap situation, the ‘Hawks actually added salary in acquiring 33-year old Kim Johnsson. This will free up cap space down the road because Johnsson becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, while Barker was signed for two more years at just over $3 million. This move could lead to Chicago re-signing Kris Versteeg in the off-season now that they have a little bit of wiggle room. Additionally, the Blackhawks get a great young prospect in Nick Leddy, who was drafted 16th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He is recognized as a fluid skating defenceman with good vision, and currently plays for the University of Minnesota. Kim Johnsson will likely play on Chicago’s third pairing with not much expected of him. Brian Campbell, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith will see slight bumps in ice time moving towards the playoffs.
From Minnesota’s Standpoint
The Wild get a proven 23-year old blueliner in Barker, and he will significantly contribute to the rebuilding process in Minnesota. Barker was a 3rd overall pick by the Blackhawks in 2004, but was outplayed by the likes of Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Brian Campbell and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Barker will likely step into the top pairing on the Wild, and will get regular power play time with Brent Burns. Kudos to Minnesota GM Chuck Fletcher for nabbing a star defenseman from a cap-challenged team. Chicago’s defense takes a hit with this trade, and the Wild get a major boost. Cam Barker was under-utilized in Chicago simply because of who he was playing behind. He will progress to the next level as a member of the Wild.
Final Thoughts
The Blackhawks get a veteran presence and some size on the blueline along with a good young defensive prospect in exchange for a player they couldn’t afford to pay beyond this season. Barker was one of five Hawks players that did not receive a qualifying offer at the proper time last summer. As a result, the NHLPA filed a grievance, and Barker was given a more significant raise from Chicago. This ultimately played a role in his departure from the Windy City. He’ll get along just fine in hockey-mad Minnesota. The Wild win this trade hands down, but for cap-clearing purposes, the Blackhawks afford themselves some flexibility moving forward. They clear cap and remove a talented defenseman from their roster, but they get a solid prospect in return.
The trade freeze is now official. Jody Shelley was dealt to the New York Rangers just before the freeze in exchange for a 6th round pick, which will turn into a 5th rounder if the Rangers resign him. The trade freeze is lifted after the completion of the Olympics, on Sunday February 28th at midnight.
