Andrew Desjardins, forward
2014-15 cap hit: $750,000 | Age: 28 | Season stats: 5 goals, 5 assists, minus-1
Season recap: Desjardins wasn’t the big name acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks at the trade deadline, but he became a key player for them by the end of the season. After being a scratch to start the playoffs, Desjardins was inserted into the lineup during the opening round against the Nashville Predators. He played the final 21 games of the playoffs and had one goal, three assists and averaged 13:56 of ice time. He played mostly with Marcus Kruger and Andrew Shaw on the team’s checking line.
Season highlight: Desjardins’ playoff debut for the Blackhawks was a memorable one. He scored a goal in a 4-2 win over the Predators in Game 3 of the first round.
Season lowlight: Desjardins was a healthy scratch the first two games of the playoffs.
Final grade: B.
Inside the numbers: Desjardins had four games where he was a plus-10 Corsi with the Blackhawks. He had one double-figure game with the San Jose Sharks before getting traded this season.
Quotes: Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville: “We liked the way we he played in San Jose, as far as him giving us some grit. We found out patience, strength in the puck area, play recognition with it. He’s really improved since he came here, at least from the levels where he originally started at.”
What’s next: Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman expressed an interest in bringing Desjardins, an unrestricted free agent, back after the season. Desjardins proved to be an effective checking-line player and likely won’t cost the Blackhawks a whole lot.
