In a deal that got little-to-no attention (thanks solely to the Maple Leafs? trade, because whenever the Leafs do anything, it steals all media attention these days), the Chicago Blackhawks made a superb move by acquiring forward Michael Frolik and goalie Alexander Salak from the Florida Panthers in exchange for forwards Jack Skille, Hugh Jessiman and David Pacan. For the Blackhawks, obtaining a player like Frolik can be a season-saver. It?s not a career-defining move for the GM, and it doesn?t net them an All-Star, but it may very well be the difference between finishing the season inside or outside of the playoff picture (they sit in 11th place in the West at the time of the deal). After salary cap woes forced Chicago to part with Kris Versteeg, Andrew Ladd, Dustin Byfuglien and others, they had hoped some of their young players would step up when given a more prominent role. Unfortunately they have been inconsistent from the start, and really miss the quality depth that they had last season. Frolik will be able to immediately step in and contribute offensively for Chicago?s third line, and has the ability to play on the second line as well. The 22-year-old is in his third season, and scored 20+ goals in each of his first two years. He only has eight goals so far this season, but Florida is rebuilding and has already stripped away some of his offensive help over the last calendar year. Without the pressure of being a go-to player offensively, Frolik should thrive contributing in a secondary role. Back to the point of age: with Frolik being only 22-years-old and in his third season, Chicago has contractual control of his services for four more years after this year (unless the next CBA changes that). Once this season ends, Frolik will be a restricted free agent, and since he is having a ?down? year, he could be retained at a very affordable price. Chicago will also hold the ability to match any offer sheet he receives if he reaches free agency. So this isn?t a rental, this is a player that can help for a number of seasons. Salak is 24-years-old and currently playing in the Swedish Elite League. Last season was his only one in North America, where he went 29-14 in the AHL with a 2.89GAA and .910SV%. The Czech stopper only has two games of NHL experience, and he allowed six goals in 67 minutes of action while making 34 saves. While Salak may have a decent future, he really doesn?t factor into this trade; Chicago already has a very good young goaltender in Corey Crawford, and Florida was willing to part with his rights because they have one of the league?s top goalie prospects in Jacob Markstrom. This trade is solely about Chicago being able to pry away Frolik while giving up a minimal contributor from their roster (Skille) and two low-end prospects. Grade for Chicago: A Jack Skille has spent portions of four seasons in the NHL since being drafted 7th overall in 2005, and has accumulated 12-13-25 in 73 games. This season alone he has played in 49 games, registering 7-10-17. You could argue that more playing time (averaging just under 11 minutes per game this year) would serve him well, which is true, but don?t dismiss the fact that he has taken 121 shots this year, converting only 5.8% of his chances. He has shown some offensive ability in the AHL (189 games, 63-73-136), though, so maybe a change of scenery and a shot at being a top-six forward will jumpstart his career quicker. Sadly, being a year older also means being a year closer to unrestricted free agency than Frolik (Skille is 23-years-old, and turns 24 in May). Hugh Jessiman can?t really be called a prospect anymore, but can definitely be called a bust. Next month he will turn 27-years-old, and despite being drafted 12th overall in 2003 by the Rangers (ahead of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Mike Richards, Shea Weber, Ryan Kesler, Brent Seabrook, Dustin Brown, Loui Eriksson?), he has failed to play in a single NHL game. The winger?s best totals in the AHL have been two seasons with 42 points. David Pacan may have a shot at being a decent NHL player, but it?s too early to tell. The 19-year-old centreman is currently playing in the OHL and has 43 points in 48 games. He has NHL size (6?3?, 187lbs), but there is likely a good reason he wasn?t drafted until the 6th round in 2009. New Florida GM Dale Tallon helped build Chicago?s Stanley Cup winning team last season, and he did so building through youth and the draft; in Florida the same modus operandi is expected. Thus, it has to be troubling to see a 22-year-old who has already shown potential as a goal scorer traded away for a player older than him, and no blue chip prospect or draft pick(s). Grade for Florida: C- Nick is RealGM?s NHL Feature Writer. You can reach him by email nick.obergan@realgm.com or on twitter @NickObergan