Don’t call it a comeback.
#Blackhawks send a 2015 second-round pick and 2016 conditional fourth-round pick to Flyers for Kimmo Timonen.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) February 28, 2015
The 39-year old Kimmo Timonen was just about to make his season debut against the Rangers tomorrow for the Flyers. He will instead have a guaranteed chance at a Cup run with a serious Cup Contender in the form of the Blackhawks. Timonen was diagnosed with a blood clot before training camp and his career appeared to be in jeopardy. Instead, the Finnish defenseman has not given up and has conditioned himself to play. He signed a 1-year contract to play for Philly last offseason at a base salary of $2 Million.
What the Hawks get in Timonen is a rugged, experienced defenseman that has been consistent and durable. He has played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, and since 2000-01 he has played 72+ games in every season, playing the full 82 four times. A four-time all-star, he’s surpassed 40 points eight times in his career, topping out at 55 points in 2006-07. Last season, he showed he could still perform at the NHL level, potting six goals and 35 points in 77 games.
The Blackhawks are taking a huge risk, as there is no guarantee he will perform at a solid level with recovering from a blood clot in his leg, but with Johnny Oduya out and the Hawks pressing for a Cup run, a team can never have too many defensemen.
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 05: Kimmo Timonen #44 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates with teammates on the bench in the first period against the Washington Capitals at Wells Fargo Center on March 5, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
