Chicago Blackhawks' Hinostroza reacts to Hartman trade
Vinnie Hinostroza has known Ryan Hartman since they were kids.
They played together on a travel football team. Played junior hockey for the Chicago Mission. And began their pro hockey careers playing for the Blackhawks.
So it was no surprise that Hinostroza was taken aback when he learned his good buddy was traded to the Nashville Predators on Monday.
"We've been really close since we were little kids," Hinostroza said while sitting at his locker stall after practice. "Something I'll never forget is starting my NHL career with Hartsy here. I know he feels the same way.
"I'm really excited for him. I'm going to be a huge fan and keep supporting him, watching him until we play each other.
"Yeah, nothing's going to change between us."
Nick Schmaltz, who golfed with Hartman in the off-season, also took the news hard.
"We were always super close off the ice," Schmaltz said. "Kind of had a little group where we'd always hang out - whether it was on the road or at home. We got along really well.
"A good friend and it'll be weird without him."
Exciting time:
Tommy Wingels, whom the Hawks traded to Boston on Monday, wouldn't admit the trade deadline was on his mind when asked about it last week. He did, however, say that going to a contender makes it easy to get pumped up right away.
"We all play to win a Stanley Cup," Wingels said. "If you're on a team that doesn't have a chance and you go to one (that does), there's certainly that added excitement."
Boston (37-15-8) has the third-best record in the East and had an 18-game streak from Dec. 16-Jan. 25 when it gained at least 1 standings point. The Hawks will receive a conditional fifth-round pick from the Bruins. It becomes a fourth-rounder if they advance past the first round or re-sign Wingels.
A different tone:
For the first time in a decade, the Blackhawks' mood in the locker room Monday was one of apprehension rather than anticipation. Who would be traded? Who wouldn't be?
"Totally different," said coach Joel Quenneville after practice. "We're always in there thinking about who's getting who and hopefully we get somebody (to make a playoff run).
"First time we've been in selling mode and it's a whole different environment. But I think everybody's been good about it."
Nashville loves it:
Nashville coach Peter Laviolette was excited about adding Ryan Hartman.
"We know what the playoffs are all about," he said. "It's about playing the game fast and executing, but it's also about grit and determination. It becomes more physical and more competitive, and those work to his strengths."
Time to make donuts:
Starting at about 7 a.m. Monday, Joel Quenneville worked at the Dunkin' Donuts just east of the United Center. After serving customers, Quenneville told them, "that's on the Blackhawks."
Asked about the it after the Hawks practiced Monday, Quenneville broke into a huge smile and said: "Boy, that was brutal."
Slap shots:
Lance Bouma cleared waivers and was assigned to Rockford. … The Hawks called up forward Matthew Highmore from the IceHogs. They also assigned Carl Dahlstrom, David Kampf and goalie J-F Berube to Rockford. Those three assignments were done so the players would be eligible to play in the AHL playoffs if the team qualifies. ... The Blackhawks have the following draft picks this June: two in the first and third rounds, and one each in Rounds 4-7.