The Blackhawks have struck their second minor move in recent days, announcing (via Twitter) the acquisition of winger Spencer Watson from the Kings in exchange for winger Matheson Iacopelli.
Watson was a seventh-round pick of Los Angeles (209th overall) back in 2014 and while he was a strong scorer at the OHL level with Kingston and Mississauga, that has not translated to much in the way of success in the pros. He has spent the bulk of his first professional seasons at the ECHL and has played all but two games with ECHL Manchester this season. He has been productive at that level this year though with 47 points in as many games and has been assigned to Chicago’s AHL affiliate in Rockford.
As for Iacopelli, he was a much higher selection in 2014 by Chicago (83rd overall) but he also hasn’t lit up the minors thus far. He has split the season between Rockford (four points in 27 games) and ECHL Indy (four goals in nine contests).
Both players are in the final year of their respective entry-level contracts and the two teams are hoping that a change of scenery will be enough to give them a boost. Otherwise, they both will not likely be tendered a qualifying offer in June.
seems like the Blackhawks got the significantly better player here. dont know why LA would prefer Iacopelli over Watson.