Blackhawks Sign Kruger, Trade Versteeg And Nordstrom

By Kate Shepherd in News on Sep 11, 2015 9:29PM

The Blackhawks made a few roster changes Friday to prepare for training camp on Sept. 18 and strengthen their defense.

The team signed forward Marcus Kruger to a one-year contract and traded forwards Kris Versteeg and Joakim Nordstrom to the Carolina Hurricanes, the team announced. Trading Versteeg and Nordstrom made salary cap space for the Blackhawks to resign Kruger later in the afternoon.

Chicago acquired defensemen Dennis Robertson and Jake Massie and a fifth-round selection in the 2017 NHL draft in exchange for Versteeg, Nordstrom and a third-round draft pick.

Massie is only 18, hails from Quebec and was selected by the Hurricanes in this year's draft. Robertson, 24, played his first full professional season with the American Hockey League's Charlotte Checkers last year and was captain of the hockey team at Brown University.

Fans will be happy that the Blackhawks kept Kruger who has spent his whole NHL career with the team, including two Stanley Cup wins, and scored 84 goals in 287 games.

Despite trade rumors, the team has not taken any action on Patrick Kane as speculation continues.