The chances of the Chicago Blackhawks winning back to back Stanley Cups are shrinking by the trade.

The Blackhawks traded 33-year old forward Patrick Sharp to the Dallas Stars on Friday. You can blame the trade on the salary cap in place by the NHL.

Since 2005 Sharp has been with the Blackhawks and has won three Stanley Cups with the team. Some notes on Sharp:

  • 239 goals since 2005
  • 272 assists since 2005
  • Played  679 games for the Chicago.

Most Blackhawks fans view Sharp is not only one of the most productive Blackhawks players, but one of the most popular.

The NHL 2015-2016 salary cap is $71.4 million per team. Sharp's salary was $5.9 million

ESPN reports that Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said:

On behalf of the entire organization I'd like to thank Patrick for all that he helped our franchise accomplish. He will forever be a Blackhawk and we wish him and his family nothing but the best in Dallas and beyond. Obviously, it's difficult trading away an established player like Patrick Sharp and a very good young player in Stephen Johns -- he's got a nice career ahead of him. But we felt we wanted to continue to add pieces that can contribute to our team next season, and we're excited for that."

This past season, he had 16 goals and 27 assists in 68 games last season.

In exchange for Sharp, the Blackhawks will be joined by forward Ryan Garbutt and defenseman Trevor Daley.

Sharpie, you will be missed!

Also on the Blackhawks chopping block is winger Bryan Bickell. This remains in the air.

 

 

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