The Blackhawks play their first game following the Nick Schmaltz trade Tuesday night against the Golden Knights at the United Center.
Chicago traded Schmaltz to Arizona for forwards Brendan Perlini and Dylan Strome on Sunday night in a deal involving three former first-round draft picks. The trade came on the heels of Schmaltz’s inconsistent production and struggling numbers this season.
While Strome’s NHL numbers haven’t lived up to his No. 3 overall pick billing, the Blackhawks brain trust is hoping DeBrincat and Strome play as well as they did in the OHL as linemates with the Erie Otters for three seasons.