CHICAGO -- Marko Dano was surprised to be part of a blockbuster trade June 30 between the Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets.
After he had eight goals and 21 points in 35 games last season to begin his NHL career, Dano, 20, figured he would play for the Blue Jackets for years and years to come.
Instead, Dano was traded to the Blackhawks with forwards Artem Anisimov, Jeremy Morin and Corey Tropp for forward Brandon Saad and two prospects. He is now tasked with helping the 2015 Stanley Cup champions defend their title.