HAWKS TRADE CAPTAIN AFTER ONLY 4 GAMES; LOSE TO RED WINGS

"This wasn't a knee jerk reaction. We're 1 and 3, not 1 and 33. I just want to make it clear so nobody in Chicago starts panicking. Shane and I have been talking about making this move for a couple of seasons now. It works nicely for both teams," said Blackhawks GM Dan Minion.

After their 7-2 loss to Los Angeles, the Blackhawks decided to trade Brad Shaw to Florida along with $1.5 million for Doug Bodger. Shaw has been one of the most reliable Hawks players over the past 3 years but at age 30 he didn't fit in the team's long term plans. The defenseman led the team in scoring in 1992 and finished 2nd to Bill Guerin last year. He also represented the franchise in the 1991 All-Star game. Bodger is a couple years younger and has a less expensive contract, which the included cash will cover over two seasons.

In Florida, Shaw gets the chance to play for a more competitive team. He also gets reconnected with some former Ottawa 67s. And Chicago will be OK as Bodger is a solid defenseman in his own right. The biggest void this move creates is leadership. Shaw has been the team captain since Tony Granato was traded and now there won't be anyone wearing a C until 1995. Many Blackhawk fans have shared their displeasure with the deal happening four games into the season.

Chicago definitely looked disorganized in their first game without Shaw the following night in Detroit. They allowed 4 goals in the first period and 3 more in the 3rd to lose 7-4. The Red Wings beat Arturs Irbe 5 times on 21 shots to spoil a decent offensive game by the Blackhawks. Thomas Steen and Denis Savard each scored twice.

The Hawks return home to play the expansion Tampa Bay Lightning next. It's a chance to get their 2nd win of the season during a tough part of the schedule vs. multiple playoff teams in a row.