Hawks make two minor moves

The Chicago Blackhawks made two more minor moves today. In the first the team signed AHL standout defenceman Matt Taormina. The Providence College product had a monster rookie AHL season. The 24 year old put up 10 goals and 40 assists for 50 points in just 75 games. He is on the small side at 5'11, but as his numbers indicate he has a wealth of offensive talent. He is expected to shore up the blueline in Rockford, and holds intriguing long term potential. "Signings like this are a no brainer for a club with the resources we have, it was an easy decision to take a flyer on a player like Matt. For whatever reason he was never noticed in the draft, but after last year he was certainly on our radar." Said the Hawks director of scouting.

In the second move of the day the team sent veteran winger Ethan Moreau to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenceman Scott Jackson. This was another deal that aimed at shoring up the Rockford Blueline. After an injury riddled 08/09 season Jackson rebounded to post decent AHL numbers. The 6'4 23 year old former 2nd rounder posted 14 points in 72 games while playing a steady defensive game. He has good mobility for his size, and could one day be a bottom pairing NHL dman. This move also appeases Ethan Moreau's wish to be on a team where he will be a regular in the lineup. With the emergence of Chris Stewart, the re-signing of Milan Michalek, and the aquisition of Steve Downie the Hawks wings had become very crowded, and it was becoming evident that Moreau would be among the odd men out. The move will likely increase the chances that one of the Hawks young grinders, perhaps Colin Fraser or Matt Beleskey will make the opening day roster.

Acquiring the two defenceman likely pegged for Rockford also gives the team the luxury of not having to rush young stars Victor Hedman or Kevin Shattenkirk to the pro ranks.