Blackhawks Acquire Kimmo Timonen From Philadelphia
By Chris Emma-
(CBS) -- The Blackhawks filled a big need on Friday evening by acquiring veteran defenseman Kimmo Timonen from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2015 and a conditional pick in 2016.
Timonen, 39, has missed the entire season to this point with blood clots in his right leg and lungs. However, he was cleared to play and pegged to return Saturday. The native of Finland is a four-time NHL All-Star and five-time Olympian.
For Timonen, the return to hockey form hasn't been easy, and the only step left is getting back on the ice. This will be his last NHL season, with one goal that drove him through a six-month rehabilitation.
"The only thing I'm missing in my hockey career is a Stanley Cup," Timonen said.
Last season, Timonen recorded six goals and 29 assists in 77 games. He's expected to be active with a Blackhawks team that's awaiting the recovery of rookie Trevor van Riemsdyk, expected back soon from a fractured patella, and Johnny Oduya, who was placed on injured reserved with a lower-body injury.
Timonen may be ready to play for the Blackhawks on Monday when they host the Carolina Hurricanes. However, he has yet to determine with the organization whether that will occur. Once he gets back to the ice, he will still need a little time.
"I'm going to be rusty for a couple games, but I will get there, that's for sure," Timonen said.
With the addition of Timonen -- who is on a one-year, $2-million deal -- the Blackhawks still have cap room to make another trade before Monday's deadline.
Timonen is eager to join the Blackhawks and get working on one final pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
"I'm looking forward to getting to Chicago tomorrow night," he said.
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