Blackhawks Trade Kris Versteeg to Toronto

Late Wednesday night, within hours of free agency beginning, the Chicago Blackhawks made their second trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs within a week. This deal involved a prominent NHL player, though.

Toronto receives Kris Versteeg and the rights to Bill Sweatt in exchange for Viktor Stalberg, Chris DiDomenico & Philippe Paradis. Sweatt has expiring draft rights and was not planning to sign with Chicago. Versteeg has two more years left on a contract signed last sumer with a cap number over $3M.

So did the Hawks get back?

Viktor Stalberg, RW – 6’3  196

Stalberg was one of the top prospects in the Leafs organization before being called up to Toronto for 40 games last year. In that brief action he contributed 14 points (nine goals, five assists). He’s described as a “big player with great speed who accelerates really well and reaches full speed very fast. Forechecks successfully and plays with good intensity. A natural sniper with a fine scoring touch. Defense and passing game could use some improvement.”

Chris DiDomenico, C – 6’1  170

DiDomenico is a 21-year old center who signed a three-year entry level deal with Toronto in March of 2009. He’s known as a faceoff specialist who plays good defense, but had a solid offensive season in 2007-08 with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL, scoring 95 points (39 G, 56 A) in just 70 games. In 14 playoff games last year for the Drummondville Voltigeurs, he scored 21 points (7 G, 14 A).

Philippe Paradis, C – 6’2 196

Paradis, 19, was the Carolina Hurricanes first round draft pick (27th overall) in 2009. He has been described as a tough center that can score. “A mixture of physical presence and scoring skill, Paradis is an attractive prospect.  He possesses a hard shot and has the ability to make room for himself and his teammates on the ice.  Paradis isn’t a player to back down from a challenge.” Had 44 points (24 G, 20 A) in 63 games for Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL last year before spending four games in the AHL.