Blackhawks trade Patrick Sharp to Stars in four-player deal

The Chicago Blackhawks sent forward Patrick Sharp and defenseman Stephen Johns to the Dallas Stars on Friday in exchange for defenseman Trevor Daley and forward Ryan Garbutt, the teams announced.

The move helps Chicago offload $5.9 million in salary owed to Sharp, ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun reported.

Sharp was a key contributor to the Blackhawks’ 2015 Stanley Cup run, scoring five goals and 10 assists in 23 postseason games.

Johns, a 23-year-old 2010 draft pick by Chicago, played with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs during the 2014–2015 season.

Daley had the second-most points of any defenseman last year for the Stars, with 16 goals and 22 assists. He also scored six power-play goals for Dallas during the 2014–2015 season, among the most of any defender in the NHL.

• MUIR: NHL’s surprisingly short list of untradeable talent

Garbutt, 29, played parts of the past four seasons with Dallas, notching 30 goals and 40 assists in 198 games.

Dallas will retain 50% of salary owed to Garbutt for the 2014–15 season, meaning the Blackhawks only owe him $900,000, LeBrun said.

Chicago vice president and general manager Stan Bowman thanked Sharp for his contributions to the team via the Blackhawks Twitter account Friday night.

VP/GM Stan Bowman: "On behalf of the entire organization I'd like to thank Patrick for all that he helped our franchise accomplish."
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 11, 2015

VP/GM Stan Bowman: "He was one of our leaders on the ice, most notably as an alternate captain for several seasons, as well as off the ice."
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 11, 2015

VP/GM Stan Bowman: "He will forever be a Blackhawk and we wish him and his family nothing but the best in Dallas and beyond."
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 11, 2015