Report: Blackhawks trade Ben Smith to Sharks for Andrew Desjardins
The Chicago Blackhawks traded winger Ben Smith to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for center Andrew Desjardins, Sportsnetreported on Monday.
Smith, 26, spent the first four-plus years of his NHL career with the Blackhawks. In 61 games this season, he has nine points (five goals, four assists) in an average ice time of 13:35. In 2013-14, Smith posted career-highs in games (75), goals (14) and points (26).
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Smith is due $1.5 million in each of the next two seasons before hitting unrestricted free agency for the 2016-17 season.
Desjardins, 28, spent his last four-plus years with the Sharks, appearing in 56 games this season with eight points (five goals, three assists) in an average ice time of 10:27. He posted several career-highs in 2013-14, appearing in 81 games, tallying 17 points and averaging 11:09 in ice time.
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The Blackhawks (37-21-5) are third in the Central Division with 79 points. The Sharks (30-25-8) are fifth in the Pacific Division with 68.
The NHL's trade deadline is 3 p.m. ET Monday.
- Mike Fiammetta