FROLIK TO CHICAGO IN FIVE-PLAYER DEAL
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired winger Michael Frolik and goalie Alexander Salak from the Florida Panthers for winger Jack Skille, center David Pacan and winger Hugh Jessiman.
What does it give the Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks did well here to add both a skilled winger and more goaltending depth. Frolik is on pace for his third straight season of 40+ points, but his goals were down this year. Still, he's only turns 23 years old later this month, so there's plenty of time for him to fully develop. Salak could be a major sleeper here, since he's having a great season in the Swedish Elitserien and is only 24 himself. While this trade could really improve Chicago, especially down the road, we don't think GM Stan Bowman is finished wheeling and dealing this year.
What does it give the Florida Panthers
Florida GM Dale Tallon used to hold the same title in Chicago, so he knows what he's getting in Jack Skille. Tallon wants his club to be more meat and potatoes, so the Frolik for Skille side of this trade can be easily explained. Skille should see significantly more ice time with the Cats, probably as a top-six winger. Pacan is a decent center prospect with size who is now in the OHL, after being kicked off the University of Vermont for disciplinary reasons. Jessiman isn't much of a prospect anymore, but he may factor into the fourth-line equation at some point. The only risk here is Tallon's penchant for trading away skill in Frolik--after losing Michael Grabner via waivers earlier this season. Is this the continuation of a bad trend?
Fantasy impact
