Blackhawks Trade Kruger In Exchange For Future Considerations

(CBS) The Blackhawks made an expected move Sunday and traded center Marcus Kruger to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for future considerations.

"We thank Marcus for his many contributions to our team -- most notably, two Stanley Cup Championships," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. "His work ethic, reliability and strength as a two-way player made him a valuable member of the organization. We wish him the best with Vegas."

The Blackhawks weren't expected to be big players in free agency due to their salary cap situation. The trade of Kruger will help provide the salary cap relief the team needs.

Kruger wasn't selected by the Golden Knights in their expansion draft, with the team instead claiming defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk and trading him to the Carolina Hurricanes. By selecting van Riemsdyk, the Golden Knights left open the opportunity to trade for Kruger.

The Blackhawks selected Kruger in the fifth round of the 2009 draft. He played in 398 career games with Chicago across seven seasons, registering 105 points while mostly serving as a bottom-six line center.