Maple Leafs Get Kris Versteeg From the Blackhawks In Five Player Trade

Brian Burke announced a multi-player trade with the Chicago Blackhawks Wednesday evening. The Maple Leafs have obtained right-winger Kris Versteeg and the rights to left-winger Bill Sweatt. Going to the Blackhawks are forwards Viktor Stalberg, Chris DiDomenico and Philippe Paradis.

Versteeg, 24, appeared in 79 regular season games in 2009-10 and recorded 20 goals and 24 assists to place sixth in Blackhawks' team scoring. He was +8 with four game-winners and four goals on the powerplay. Winning the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks this season, Versteeg tallied six goals and eight assists in 22 postseason games. He was +4 with 14 minutes in penalties and contributed two game-winning goals while averaging 17:12 of ice time. Versteeg also reached the 20 goal mark in 2008-09 when he collected 22 goals and added 31 assists in 78 games with Chicago. The Lethbridge, Alberta native was originally Boston’s fourth choice, 134th overall, in the 2004 Entry Draft.

Sweatt, 21, was Chicago’s second choice, 38th overall, in the 2007 Entry Draft. The native of Elburn, Illinois has completed four seasons at Colorado College of the NCAA. In 143 college games, he scored 46 goals and added 63 assists for 109 points.

It's hard to see some young Leafs who have a bright future leave Toronto, but the Leafs need a scoring boost right away. Only time will tell if Chris DiDomenico becomes the player that he could be after dealing with a heavy injury blow.

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