Winnipeg Jets Deal Johnny Oduya to Chicago Blackhawks for Draft Picks

According to TSN, the Winnipeg Jets have traded defensemen Johnny Oduya to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for second- and third-round draft picks in 2013.

It was rumored that Oduya would be amongst the leading candidates of Jets players to be traded by today's NHL trade deadline.

Oduya is an unrestricted free agent, meaning he is only signed through the rest of this season with a $4 million salary and a $3.5 million cap hit.

Oduya was acquired in the Ilya Kovalchuk trade and spent roughly two seasons with Winnipeg (formerly Atlanta). In 172 games with this franchise, Oduya accumulated five goals and 39 points.

The Jets claimed Columbus defensemen Grant Clitsome off waivers this morning, which adds to the already stockpiled defensive group.

Clitsome played in 51 games with Columbus this season and racked up 14 points (four goals). He also has familiarity with coach Claude Noel from his days as Columbus' assistant coach.

With the addition of Clitsome, Oduya became even more expendable, and Kevin Cheveldayoff made the most of it.

Oduya has had an up-and-down season but for the most part was a solid middle-pairing defensemen. His ability to carry the puck makes him valuable to Chicago.

The Jets received two high draft picks in 2013, which is more than what Cheveldayoff could have bargained for.

Getting second- and third-round picks for 15 or so games of Oduya is exactly what the Jets needed.

For the Jets, it's been about rebuilding since day one. Though making the playoffs is a possibility, acquiring future assets is more important than trading away future assets.

Job well done, Mr. Cheveldayoff.