Tampa and Chicago complete a trade on the eve of free agent frenzy

The Chicago Blackhawks continue a busy offseason late Tuesday by acquiring forward Tyler Johnson and a 2023 2nd-round pick from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for the LTIR contract of defenseman Brent Seabrook.

This trade is of benefit to both clubs for different reasons, as Chicago adds a veteran forward who they can utilize now, a draft pick as compensation to take on the Johnson contract and removes a contract from the books to save ownership some cash.

From Tampa's perspective, they clear Johnson's $5M cap hit for 3 more seasons and add Seabrook's contract, which will allow Tampa to exceed the salary cap, take advantage of LTIR benefits and gain some much needed financial flexibility.

Seabrook, 36, was forced into retirement earlier this season due to lingering health issues. He has 3 seasons remaining on his contract, which carries a $6.875M cap hit.

Johnson, 30, suited up in 55 regular season games for the Lightning this year, amassing 22 points over that span and adding 7 points in 23 playoff games en route to his 2nd Stanley Cup in as many seasons.

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