Hawks trade Morin to Columbus for Erixon
The dilemma of finding Jeremy Morin quality ice time at the NHL level looks like it may have been solved Sunday when the Blackhawks traded the young forward to Columbus in exchange for defenseman Tim Erixon.
Morin, 23, was the odd man out with the Hawks even before the return to the lineup of Patrick Sharp. He was a healthy scratch in eight straight games before being sent to the Rockford IceHogs this week for a conditioning assignment.
“It's a good chance for Mo to play and a good opportunity for Timmy to join our organization,” coach Joel Quenneville said of the deal.
Erixon, 23, had 6 points, including 5 power-play points, in 19 games with the Blue Jackets this season. Quenneville certainly didn't waste any time getting him in the lineup, pairing him with Michal Rozsival for Sunday's game against Calgary.
“He didn't play last night; guys easily adapt to playing,” Quenneville said before the game. “We'll work him along, refresh some of the habits that could be new to him. Just trust your instincts and play.
“He and Rozy look like it could be a good pair for us.”
As for what Erixon feels he brings to the Hawks?
“Like to think I have a decent hockey sense,” said Erixon, who will wear the No. 34 sweater. “I like to play a solid game, and I think I can move the puck around pretty good.”
Before Morin was sent to Rockford, published reports indicated he would welcome a trade. On Sunday, his wish was granted.
“It's good a situation for both teams,” Quenneville said. “Mo, I'm sure he can help. I hope he does well.”
In a corresponding move Sunday, the Hawks reassigned defenseman Klas Dahlbeck to Rockford.
“We liked his game,” Quenneville said. “I like how he moves, his quickness, speed, agility …. Reads and how he handles different situations is where he can improve.”
Decision time looming:
The return of goalie Corey Crawford is imminent.
“He probably wants to play Tuesday, but we'll see how that all plays out in the next couple of games,” Joel Quenneville said.
Crawford should be back in uniform either Saturday in Columbus or Sunday against Toronto.
Antti Raanta got the start against Calgary, but before that Scott Darling had handled much of the load in net since Crawford went down.
“(Darling) has done a tremendous job for us,” Quenneville said. “Antti's done well himself, so it's a good situation to have, a healthy decision to make.”
He said it:
“Definitely not this year. Don't know if I've ever done it.”
— Newly acquired defenseman Tim Erixon on if he'd ever faced a media mob as large as the one assembled before Sunday's game