Blackhawks Trade Jack Johnson to Avalanche

Chicago and Colorado are swapping defensemen as the NHL trade deadline approaches.

It's NHL trade deadline week, and the Chicago Blackhawks are staying busy on the market. General manager Kyle Davidson pulled off his third trade in five days Sunday, sending defenseman Jack Johnson to the Colorado Avalanche. In return, defenseman Andreas Englund will join the Blackhawks.

Johnson joined the Blackhawks last summer on a one-year, $950K deal. He provided veteran leadership and posted four assists in 58 games for a rebuilding Chicago team. Now, Johnson will return to Colorado, where he won the Stanley Cup last season.

Andreas Englund joins the Blackhawks in the middle of his fifth NHL campaign. The 27-year-old picked up three assists in 36 games with the Avalanche this season. He also appeared in 15 AHL games, posting three points (one goal, two assists). Englund's contract carries a $750K cap hit and will expire after the season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The Chicago Blackhawks have several other pieces that may be on the move before Friday's deadline. But of course, all eyes are glued to the Patrick Kane situation as a trade to the New York Rangers appears imminent.