Blackhawks trade Nick Schmaltz to Coyotes for Strome, Perlini
The Chicago Blackhawks and Arizona Coyotes are each giving up on up on a struggling first-round pick, hoping that a change of scenery gets them going.
The Blackhawks have traded Nick Schmaltz to the Coyotes in exchange for Dylan Strome and Brendan Perlini.
BREAKING: The #Blackhawks have acquired forwards Dylan Strome and Brendan Perlini from Arizona in exchange for forward Nick Schmaltz.
Strome (AAV $863,333) is signed through the 2019-20 season and Perlini (AAV $863,333) is signed through the 2018-19 campaign. pic.twitter.com/ss3FE7s2X1
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 26, 2018
Schmaltz was drafted by the Blackhawks in the first round (20th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.The 23-year-old has two goals and nine assists in 23 games this season and racked up 91 points (29 goals) in 162 regular-season games with Chicago.
“Nick is a dynamic forward with top line potential,” said Coyotes GM John Chayka. “We feel he can be a core player of our team now and into the future. He’s a good complement to our evolving forward group and a rare combination of speed, skill and creativity.”
Strome was the third overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft and has put up six points (three goals) in 19 games with Arizona this season. He will be reunited with Erie Otters teammate Alex DeBrincat after the two dominated the OHL in juniors. Strome racked up 354 points (114 goals) in 219 regular-season games — the highest point total in Otters franchise history. He also added 86 points (37 goals) in 69 OHL playoff games, helping Erie claim the 2017 OHL championship.
The 22-year-old Perlini has six points (2G, 4A) in 22 games this season with the Coyotes. Last season, he set career highs in goals (17), assists (13) and points (30) in 74 games.
Once two very promising prospects, Strome and Schmaltz will both get a chance to revitalize their careers in a new environment.