Blackhawks Dealers on Draft Day, Trade Campbell, Brouwer

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jun 25, 2011 3:00PM

Blackhawks Gm Stan Bowman said on the eve of the NHL Draft that his team was in a better salary cap position than after they immediately won the Stanley Cup in 2010. But that didn't mean he was going to keep the team intact.

Bowman made two moves to give the Hawks more cap space and plan for the future, trading defenseman Brian Campbell to the Florida Panthers for forward Rostislav Olesz. The Blackhawks asked Campbell to waive his limited no-trade clause in his contract to make the deal.

Olesz tallied six goals and 11 assists in 44 games with the Panthers last season. Campbell was an integral part of the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup run, but his ability to run the point in the power play was often mitigated by criticism from fans for being an offensive-minded defenseman. The trade also reunites Campbell with Florida GM Dale Tallon, who signed him in Chicago.

Earlier the Blackhawks traded tough-as-nails winger Troy Brouwer to the Washington Capitals for the 26th pick in the draft. The popular Brouwer had mixed emotions regarding the trade.

The Blackhawks used that pick to select Phillip Danault from the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Danault has the skills to play either wing or center, and the speed to be a quality two-way player.

Earlier in the draft the Blackhawks selected forward Mark McNeill with the 18th pick in the draft. The 18-year old forward led the Prince Albert Raiders with 49 assists and was second in goals with 32.