Devils, Blackhawks Make Waves: Defenseman Trade Completes a Stunning Day of Deals
The Chicago Blackhawks are working the phones early, as GM Kyle Davidson has traded Austin Strand.
The deal sent defenseman Austin Strand of the Blackhawks organization to the New Jersey Devils affiliate, the Utica Comets of the AHL.
This was Strand’s second season with the IceHogs after being signed to a one-year deal in July.
This season in 21 games with the IceHogs, he posted four points (1 G, 3 A) and had a +6 rating.
In return, the Blackhawks will receive future consideration for the defensive defenseman.
“Austin joined us mid-season last year and helped stabilize a depleted defense,’ said IceHogs President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Mark Bernard. ‘He brings experience and energy to the rink each day and is someone that can help carry the coaching staff’s message into the locker room. He will be a great asset this year as we will have a lot of young prospects that he can be a mentor to.”
What will the Blackhawks do with future considerations? Hopefully, leverage it for a future pick in 2025 or 2026 as March rolls around.
The Calgary-born defenseman is no stranger to being traded, as he’s been a consistent journeyman in professional hockey.
A Calgary, Alberta native, Strand will be entering seventh professional season in 2024-25. The blueliner has spent time with five AHL teams including Rockford, Chicago, Ontario Reign, San Diego Gulls, and Rochester Americans. He has also appeared in 26 NHL games from the 2020-21 season to the 2022-23 campaign with the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.
Is this the start of GM Kyle Davidson’s intention of ramping up deals on the way to the trade deadline?
