Zawaski: Breaking Down The Blackhawks' Jiri Sekac Deal
By Jay Zawaski--
(CBS) On Thursday morning, the Blackhawks traded the last remaining piece from last summer's Patrick Sharp trade. Yes, the Ryan Garbutt era is over. What's your favorite memory?
Garbutt, a forward, is headed to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for 23-year old forward Jiri Sekac. In Sekac, the Hawks acquire a young left winger with some offensive upside. He's an above-average skater but comes with a great shot. This season in Anaheim, he's only registered three points in 22 games, spending most of his time on the Ducks'offensively challenged fourth line.
Salary cap-wise, Sekac's cap hit is $925,000, compared to Garbutt's $900,000. But Sekac, who's signed to a two-way deal, is a restricted free agent after next season. At worst, the Hawks could get some much needed cap relief for next season. At best, Sekac discovers his game in Chicago and becomes another affordable, flexible winger.
You have to wonder what this deal means for Marko Dano's immediate future with the team. This is the second left winger the Hawks have acquired this month. It would appear as if Dano is destined to spend the entire season at AHL Rockford, which is a bit of a surprise. The Hawks used a similar plan with Teuvo Teravainen, and that worked out. We'll see how it goes with Dano.
With this deal, the Blackhawks have $2,324,914 of cap space, according to GeneralFanager.com.
Jay Zawaski is the executive producer of the Spiegel and Goff Show on 670 The Score and the Blackhawks columnist for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JayZawaski670.
