Red Wings deal Williams for Calder

Courtesy TSN...

The Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings have come together prior to the trade deadline.

The Blackhawks sent a third round pick and defenseman Lasse Kukkonen to the Philadelphia Flyers for forward Kyle Calder. Chicago then moved Calder (pictured) to the Red Wings in return for forward Jason Williams.

Blackhawks' general manager Dale Tallon explained that the club was excited to get Williams, saying "we've been trying to acquire Jason Williams since last summer."

"He is a quality individual who can add to our team offensively and can also play the point on the power play. We feel with his speed and skill he is another piece of the puzzle as we continue to move forward in making our team better."

Williams was also happy about the move, noting "I'm definitely excited about coming to Chicago."

"Any time you can be a part of an original six team it's special. Chicago is making strides in the right direction. I'm looking forward to coming to Chicago and in being a major factor on the team. I'm happy to be going to a team that wants me and I'm looking forward to helping the Blackhawks."

Williams has 11 goals and 15 assists with a plus-7 over 58 games for the Red Wings. He was originally signed by Detroit as an undrafted free agent in 2000.

Kukkonen has played in 54 games for Chicago this season and scored five goals with nine assists and a plus-5.

Over his 59 games, the 28-year-old Calder has nine goals, 12 assists and is a minus-31. He was Chicago's fifth-round pick in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.