We have a trade!
The Florida Panthers have announced the acquisition of forward Aleksi Saarela from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenseman Ian McCoshen.
The 22-year-old Saarela has appeared in five games with the Rockford Icehogs of the American Hockey League, registering one assist.
In 2018-19, the 5-foot-10, 200-pound native of Helsinki, Finland, produced 54 points and a team-leading 30 goals for the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) over 69 regular season games. Saarela won the 2019 Calder Cup with Charlotte, notching seven goals and 15 points in 17 postseason games.
Over 152 career AHL regular season games, Saarela has totaled 108 points (61G/47A), while recording 18 points (9G/9A) over 30 career AHL playoff games.
Saarela was originally selected by the New York Rangers in the third round (89th overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
McCoshen was a second round pick of the Panthers (31st overall) in 2013. He ended up playing a total of 60 NHL games for the club, producing four goals, three assists and 33 PIM.
All the best to Ian as his moves on to a new organization.