Hawks make sizeable swap with Coyotes.

The Chicago Blackhawks and Phoenix Coyotes hooked up on a significant trade this afternoon. In a deal that had been in the works for several weeks, Chicago sent wingers Steve Downie and Milan Michalek, as well as center Cal O'reilly to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for goaltender Tuukka Rask, winger Brad Boyes, and prospect Riley Sheahan.

The key to the deal for the Hawks is clearly the young goaltender Tuukka Rask. Acquiring a top end young netminder shores up the one position the Hawks were perhaps lacking in depth. After franchise goalie Roberto Luongo the Hawks had no other goalies close to NHL ready in their system. With Luongo, Rask as well as promising prospects Martin Jones, Mike Murphy, Marc Cheverie and Alexander Salak the team has arguably now the best crop of goalies found anywhere in the league. This to match their unrivaled depth up front and on the blueline bodes very well for the team going forward.

The team added two other important pieces as well in this deal. Winger Brad Boyes will come in and contribute immediately, having scored 40 goals at the NHL level he brings proven production to the team. Riley Sheahan was a player the organization had long targeted going back to June's entry draft. Unfortunately he did not fall to the Hawks 28th overall first round pick, however the team was very happy to add him in the deal this afternoon.

It is believed the Hawks will continue to tinker with their formidable lineup.