George McPhee isn’t taking a break this offseason. Not even on his birthday.
The Golden Knights’ general manager, who celebrated his 59th birthday on Sunday, acquired center Marcus Kruger from Chicago for future considerations in a long-rumored deal.
The trade gives the Knights a defensive specialist and standout penalty killer while helping the Blackhawks get under the NHL’s salary cap.
Kruger, a native of Stockholm, was drafted by Chicago in the fifth round in 2009 and played parts of seven seasons with the team, winning Stanley Cups in 2013 and 2015.
The 6-foot, 186-pound Kruger had five goals and 12 points in 70 games last season and totaled 33 goals and 72 assists in career 398 games.