BLACKHAWKS BRING IN SLATER KOEKKOEK
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Slater Koekkoek and a fifth-round draft pick in 2019 from the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Jan Rutta and a seventh-round draft pick in 2019.
What does it give the Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks held the leverage in this trade, clearly, since Koekkoek needs to be placed on waivers in order to be sent down to the AHL (while Rutta has already cleared waivers and is currently toiling in the minors). So, Chicago took a flier on Koekkoek while upgrading a draft pick in the process. Overall, this is a good deal for a 'Hawks franchise in desperate need of a facelift.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning did not want to lose Koekkoek for nothing, so they decided against placing him on waivers. Instead, they accepted a two-round draft pick downgrade and Rutta as compensation. The latter, a 28-year-old Czech defenseman, will add depth to the team but will likely remain in the AHL (since Tampa Bay has 7 healthy defensemen on the roster).
Fantasy impact
Koekkoek now becomes a fantasy super-sleeper in Chicago. He will likely see more playing time with the Blackhawks, and he has a chance to establish himself as a regular along the blueline. He is worth a look in deep fantasy leagues. Rutta is not, since he should remain in the AHL for the foreseeable future.
