Adams deal may demote some young Hawks

DENVER -- Greg Adams, acquired by the Blackhawks from Carolina on Thursday for future considerations, reported Friday describing himself as a north-south winger.

Don't the Hawks already have enough of those guys?

The acquisition of the 30-year-old Adams was somewhat puzzling in that the Hawks have a room full of third- and fourth-line checking forwards that do many of the things he does -- starting with Adam Burish, Jake Dowell, Martin Lapointe, Jack Skille and Yanic Perreault.

"After seeing our last couple games, it's a very young team and we needed help there," said Hawks general manager Dale Tallon. "I felt we needed more of that (grit) because the kids we have playing, they need some grooming and some time in the minors.

"The only reason most of them are up here right now is because of what's happened to our (injured) players. Ideally, we want them playing more games (in the minors) and getting more confidence and getting more ready to play up here."

Getting Adams also could mean Tallon has another deal he'd like to make. Tallon was thought to be close to acquiring a defenseman earlier this week.

"We're still looking, but I think everybody is looking for that," Tallon said.

Hawks coach Denis Savard was happy to add Greg Adams to his lineup.

"If we feel that our kids are struggling a bit, veterans make a difference," Savard said. "Yeah, you can win with kids, but you also need veteran guys in the lineup."

Adams made his Hawks debut against the Avalanche on Friday night playing right wing on a line with Perreault and Tuomo Ruutu. He admitted he was surprised to leave the Hurricanes.

"It caught me off guard, for sure," Adams said. "Obviously, things weren't going that well for us the past couple months and you always know in that case there's a danger of being a shake-up. You just never think it will be you."

Adams has followed the Hawks because of close friend Kevyn Adams.

"I've been watching this team improve," Adams said. "I don't think my role is going to change. I'm basically a north-south winger, get it in deep, try to get in on the forecheck and create some offense from down low."