The Chicago Blackhawks have traded Aleksi Saarela to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Ian McCoshen.
TRADE ALERT: The #Blackhawks have acquired defenseman Ian McCoshen from the Panthers in exchange for forward Aleksi Saarela.
McCoshen’s two-way deal has an AAV of $700,000 and is signed through the 2019-20 season. He will report to the @goicehogs. pic.twitter.com/vm2DYW5K6b
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 23, 2019
Chicago Blackhawks Trade Aleksi Saarela to Florida Panthers
The Chicago Blackhawks completed a trade on Tuesday with the Florida Panthers. The Blackhawks acquire defenceman Ian McCoshen in exchange for Forward Aleksi Saarela.
Aleksi Saarela
In Aleksi Saarela, the Panthers get a threatening offensive forward. This season, he scored zero goals and one assist for one point, adding zero minutes in penalties. Those totals are not up to expectations compared to last season, where he scored 30 goals, 24 assists for 54 points. Over his 4-year AHL career, Saarela has played for the Charlotte Checkers and Rockford IceHogs. At that time, he has 61 goals and 47 assists for 108 career points in 152 career games. He was originally drafted in the third round, 89th overall of the 2015 NHL draft by the New York Rangers.
Ian McCoshen
In Ian McCoshen, the Blackhawks get a solid stay-at-home defenceman. This season, he scored zero goals and four assists for four points, adding four minutes in penalties. He improved on those numbers compared to last season. He scored zero goals, nine assists for nine points. Over his 4-year AHL career, McCoshen has played for the Springfield Thunderbirds. At that time, he has four goals and 26 assists for 30 career points in 115 career games. Florida drafted in the second round, 31st overall of the 2013 NHL Draft.
What This Means for the Future
Both the Blackhawks and Panthers swapped minor league players. The Blackhawks received a good stay-at-home defenceman that isn’t shy of playing rough. While the Panthers have received a very good offensive forward, who has the numbers to back it up. Neither of these players has been able to make serious impacts in the NHL with a change of scenery who knows what’s next.
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 11: Charlotte Checkers left wing Aleksi Saarela (7) is defended by Cleveland Monsters defenceman Tommy Cross (3) during the third period of the American Hockey League game between the Charlotte Checkers and Cleveland Monsters on April 11, 2019, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
