Wild Acquire Defenseman Barker from Blackhawks for Johnsson & Leddy

The Minnesota Wild announced today that they have acquired defenseman Cam Barker from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defensemen Kim Johnsson and Nick Leddy. In 51 games with the Blackhawks this season, Barker has four goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He recently missed five games with an upper body injury. Johnsson has appeared in 52 games with the Wild, scoring six goals and eight assists for 14 points. He missed seven games earlier in the season with an upper body injury. Leddy, who was the Wild's first round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft, has yet to play in an NHL game. Not a bad swap for both teams. The Wild get a very promising defenseman in Barker, as he has plenty of offensive skill, especially on the power play, and has lots of potential. Barker has struggled offensively for the Blackhawks this season, but given the signing of Brian Campbell in 2008 and the emergence of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, he was moved down to the third defensive pairing and not getting as much playing time as he should have. A change of scenery will likely do wonders for Barker, where he should be able to land a role as one of the top two defensemen in Minnesota over the next couple of seasons. Johnsson will bring plenty of experience and offensive depth to the Blackhawks' defense. He will likely just be a rental player for the playoffs, as the team won't have the salary cap space next season to be able to afford to re-sign him. Plus, by trading Barker, the Blackhawks have dumped some salary to help get under the salary cap for next season. In Leddy, the Blackhawks get a very promising, offensive blueliner for the future.