Blackhawks Acquire Frolik, Salak from Panthers for Skille, Jessiman, Pacan

The Chicago Blackhawks announced Wednesday night that they have acquired right wing Michael Frolik and goaltender Alexander Salak from the Florida Panthers in exchange for right wings Jack Skille and Hugh Jessiman and prospect center David Pacan. Frolik, Salak, and Skille will all be eligible for restricted free agency in July, while Jessiman will be an unrestricted free agent. In 52 games this season, Frolik has eight goals and 21 assists for 29 points, while Skille has seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 49 games. In 41 games with Farjestad BK of the Swedish Elite League, Salak has a 2.04 GAA, a .925 save percentage, and six shutouts. Jessiman has three goals and two assists for five points in 25 games with Rockford of the AHL, while Pacan has 43 points in 47 games with the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL. Not a bad move for the Blackhawks, as Frolik has lots of offensive skill and scoring potential. He does have some consistency issues, but perhaps getting a new start with Chicago will help him improve his offensive game. Skille has some size, can play a physical game, and goal-scoring upside, but also suffers from consistency issues. Perhaps more ice time in Florida will help him improve his game. Pacan gives the Panthers a promising center who has lots of size and some offensive upside who could likely make the team a few seasons down the road. Salak gives the Blackhawks a talented goaltender with plenty of size who works hard in the net, and could potentially see some NHL action with the team in the future. Jessiman gives the Panthers a physical winger who can score at the AHL level, but has never been able to crack an NHL lineup. He will likely spend the rest of the season in the minors.