Panthers Acquire Marty Reasoner from Blackhawks for Jeff Taffe

The Florida Panthers have announced that they have acquired center Marty Reasoner from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for left wing Jeff Taffe. The Blackhawks originally acquired Reasoner from the Atlanta Thrashers on June 24 in the Dustin Byfuglien trade. In 80 games last season with the Thrashers, Reasoner had four goals and 13 assists for 17 points. Taffe played in 21 games last season with the Panthers, scoring one goal and one assist. He also appeared in 61 games with Rochester of the AHL, scoring 28 goals and 28 assists for 56 points. Not a bad move for the Panthers, as Reasoner will bring some experience at center and skill to the checking lines. For the Blackhawks, it's another salary dumping trade, as they will free up $1.15 million, which will likely go toward re-signing goaltender Antti Niemi. Taffe doesn't really have a lot of upside at the NHL level and could play much of next season in the minors. If he does play any games with the Blackhawks, it will likely be on their fourth line.