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Blackhawks-Canadiens Trade: Fleischmann, Weise to Chicago

By Ryan Ritchie

Feb 15, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Dale Weise (22) against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Dale Weise (22) against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Blackhawks-Canadiens Trade: Tomas Fleischmann, Dale Weise Headed to Chicago

Chicago looks to be all-in as they continue to wheel-and-deal. Friday night’s Blackhawks-Canadiens trade sees F Tomas Fleischmann and F Dale Weise on their way to Chicago. Heading to Montreal is F Phillip Danault and a 2018 2nd round draft pick.

Dale Weise, 27, is coming off a career-best season in 2014-15, producing 10 goals, 19 assists (29 points) in 79 games. Already in 2015-16, Weise has 14 goals, 12 assists (26 points) in 56 games, marking his best point-per-game pace of his career (and highest goal total).

Tomas Fleischmann, 31, went unsigned last offseason, and was forced to accept a PTO offer from the Canadiens. After impressing, Fleischmann earned a one-year contract, in which he’s outplayed. He should have no problem finding a new contract next summer. The Czech forward has 10 goals, 10 assists (20 points) in 57 games so far in 2015-16.

via TSN,

According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, the Canadiens retained 30 per cent of Weise and Fleischmann’s salaries.

Weise is currently playing in the final season of a two-year, $2 million contract he signed prior to last season. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Danault, 23, was selected in the first round (26th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft by the Blackhawks.
The centre has appeared in 30 games this season with the Blackhawks, scoring one goal and adding four assists.
“Phillip Danault is a young and gifted player who will be part of our core group of young forwards for many years to come. I am very pleased to have him join our organization,” Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin.said in a statement. “As a member of the Blackhawks management group, I was instrumental in the selection of Phillip in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft. Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann have both been good contributors to our team and I would like to wish them the best of luck with the Blackhawks’ organization.”

Jan 21, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Phillip Danault (24) shoots as Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) defends during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Phillip Danault (24) shoots as Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) defends during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Phillip Danault Talent Analysis via Hockey’s Future,

Danault was drafted for his leadership ability and playmaking skills coming out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Four years later assists are still a big part of his game but he has added nearly 30 pounds of muscle since being drafted and is now viewed as a two-way center who can play in all situations for the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs. The second of two first round picks for Chicago int he 2011, he like fellow first-rounder Mark McNeill has been with the AHL’s IceHogs for the bulk of his first two pro seasons. A strong skater and an active player in all three zones, he is not expected to be a big point producer in the NHL but his work ethic and compete level should earn him a shot at that level.

Blackhawks-Canadiens Trade Analysis

More from Chicago Blackhawks

Montreal fans should be excited. Not only did they acquire a Quebec-born French Canadian, they’ve also made space for prospects to get extra NHL experience. Following Monday’s deadline, teams only have four roster call-ups the rest of 2015-16. By creating a pair of openings early, it gives the Canadiens an opportunity to give players such as Charles Hudon or Mike McCarron a full-time gig for the remainder of the season, while also keeping those four call-ups for other players.

For Chicago, it seems they’re willing to do whatever it takes to ensure they win back-to-back Stanley Cups. Both players (Weise and Fleischmann) can step in and be role players down the stretch.

Next: Blackhawks, Kings, Swap Defensemen

If the past 24 hours is any indication of what we have to look forward to over the next few days, we could be in for a wild ride. At some point, other Western Conference teams who had no plans of being a buyer, will need to step in a make a move in an attempt to match the Chicago Blackhawks.

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