The trade deadline dust is still settling a week later as new members of the Blackhawks settle into their lockers. Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman was busier than ever not only trying to improve the team, but attempting to fill the void created by Patrick Kane’s injury.
Forwards Antoine Vermette (formerly with Arizona) and Andrew Desjardins (formerly with San Jose) are part of that plan to provide offensive firepower. RedEye spoke with them about what it’s like to be traded to the Hawks.
What was it like playing against the Hawks?
Antoine Vermette: In a way, it’s fun. It’s a very motivating and challenging team to play. I personally liked it. They play a skating game [with] high skill. It’s fun; you’re up for the challenge. You look forward to that. In the other end, they’re going to give you a night to work with. It’s nice when you beat them.
I was talking a little bit about that song [“Chelsea Dagger”]—now it’s better. I hate to say it, but it’s fun.
Andrew Desjardins: Speed, skill, active D, dangerous [defensemen]—just an all-around good team. Give up very little goals, give up very little goals on the [penalty kill]—we’re that kind of team I think. On the other side, they’re just a hard team to play against every night.
What was it like getting the call that you were traded?
AD: I was excited pretty much instantly. I wasn’t necessarily expecting anything. So I guess there’s a little bit of “holy crap.” As soon as I heard “Chicago,” I was pretty excited. I guess I was pretty fired up just to start a new chapter.
Would you re-sign with the Hawks after this year?
AV: I’m not going to get ahead of myself, but this is obviously a great place. I knew that all along. Coming here I was very excited I had a chance to come play for this organization, this group.
But with that being said, this is certainly not where my focus is. There’s a lot of things out of my control and right now, I know it’s cliche, not very exciting for you guys as a quote, but my focus is on day-to-day basics here and try to win as many games as possible and trying to be effective.
Do you feel you’re settled in yet?
AD: My family came on Saturday. We’re getting there. Got my mom down here helping too, so we’re getting settled. We found a place, going to be moving in this week. I’m not going to be here for the move-in, so I give it all to my wife I guess.
I give her a lot of respect for doing that for me when I’m gone. So she’s going to be moving us in. I’m pretty settled. I feel good out here. The guys are just awesome. The organization, the coaches, everybody has been good to me.
AV: Good. I mean so far so good. Getting points in the standings, that’s what matters. Every day you feel more comfortable, get used to one another, that’s how things work.
What do you think of Chicago?
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AV: It’s a little bit of everything. I think it’s a nice place. The team, the surrounding, the fans, their passion. There’s a lot to like about it and I’m just learning every day.
Scott King is a RedEye special contributor. @scottkingmedia
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