Hawks Acquire Bobby Ryan in Blockbuster deal.

Rumours had been circling regarding Hawks center Mike Richards for weeks, they proved true this weekend when the Hawks and Panthers consummated a shocking blockbuster sending the star forward south in exchange for winger Bobby Ryan. Speculation about Richards' availability was largely based on his pending unrestricted free agent status. For most teams it would be a given that they would sink all their resources into signing such a player, however for the star studded Hawks doing so would prove very difficult in an offseason where franchise centerpiece Eric Staal also hits free agency. "We essentially felt we would only be able to retain one of the two, and therefore began to search out the best possible deal to ensure we didn't lose Mike for nothing" said GM Todd Semonick.

That deal was found in Florida when Panthers GM Dylan Wilson made Bobby Ryan available. In the end Chicago recieved Ryan, prospect Jeremy Morin, and a 3rd round draft pick in exchange for Richards. The key piece clearly being Ryan, one of the better young wingers in the league. "Bobby is one of the most skilled players in the league, his size and hands give him limitless offensive upside. We believe he will fit very nicely into our top-6 and further he is under club control another season beyond this one at a very reasonable rate" said Semonick of Ryan.

Also part of the deal was prospect Jeremy Morin. Morin is another very talented player who has a fairly high ceiling. A pure goal scorer, he is likely to remain in the AHL for a few more seasons before he can challenge for a top-6 role on the team.  To date he has notched 13 goals and 20 points in 33 games in the minors.

It is not believed that the Hawks are done dealing. Rumor has it the team is willing to move one of its prized young assets in order to acquire a top end winger, names like Cowen, Gormley, Stone, Eakin, Horak, Morrow, Pysyk and Clendening making their way into rumors. It is also believed the team would move any of its numerous draft picks in this summers draft to make a deal happen.