Feb. 28--TAMPA -- General manager Stan Bowman pulled the trigger on a deal to give the Chicago Blackhawks depth on defense.
The Hawks acquired four-time NHL All-Star Kimmo Timonen from the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft and a conditional fourth-round choice in the 2016 draft.
"We've been working on this one for a while," Hawks general manager Stan Bowman said. "He was the defenseman we really wanted."
The 39-year-old Timonen has not appeared in any games this season due to blood clots in his lower right leg and both lungs but was nearing a return to the Flyers' lineup. Instead, the Kuopio, Finland, native is headed to the Hawks.
"Setting aside that he hasn't played, once we get him up to speed he's a great player," Bowman said. "He's been an elite defenseman for a lot of years. We looked around at some of the other guys around and when we get him back on his game, he's a great, great defenseman."
Timonen had six goals and 29 assists in 77 regular-season game with the Flyers last season. He ranks third among active NHL defensemen with 571 points (117 goals, 454 assists) in 1,092 career NHL games across 15 seasons with the Flyers and Nashville Predators.
Bowman said Timonen will join the Hawks for practice Sunday and could play Mondaynight against the Hurricanes at the United Center.
"He's been a high-level defenseman for a long time," Bowman said. "I know he's older but it's not like he's coming back from an injury. He's been off. He didn't hurt his knee or his shoulder. He's obviously had the blood issue but we're past that. He's fresh and ready to go.
"Obviously, he's going to be a little rusty and he's been skating for a long time," Bowman added. "So I think he's ready to play in some games. It will take some time to get him to his peak level but we've got six weeks to go here until playoffs start. We're going to build up to that."
Bowman said there is a risk in acquiring a veteran player who hasn't played since last season and has a history of blood clots.
"I guess there's always a risk with that but there are players who have been playing with that for a couple of years," Bowman said. "They've gotten to the point where they can manage it pretty well. We'll work through all of that."
With the trade deadline looming, Bowman said he is still looking to acquire a forward. That became a pressing need when Patrick Kane underwent surgery for a left collarbone fracture and will be sidelined approximately 12 weeks.
"We're not done making calls," Bowman said. "It's been a long day (Friday) and I'm sure it will be (Saturday) and the next couple of days. You can't predict where it will go. It takes two sides to make a deal but we're going to keep trying. We've been looking for a forward and hopefully it works out. But if not we'll go forward with what we've got."
