The Hawks have been making some pretty minor moves lately, and it continues today:

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today they have acquired center Tim Brent (6-0, 197) from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Danny Richmond (6-0, 194).

Brent, 24, has recorded one goal and six penalty minutes in 16 career National Hockey League games, which includes one appearance with the Penguins last season. The Cambridge, Ontario, native also skated in 15 contests with the Anaheim Ducks during the 2006-07 campaign. Brent notched professional career highs in goals (18), assists (43), points (61) and penalty minutes (79) in 74 regular-season matchups with the American Hockey League’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins last season.

Richmond never played like anything more than a #6 defenseman at best, and made a habit of getting his head pounded in during fights. He was never able to show enough to secure a spot with the big club and spent more time in the AHL then in Chicago. I doubt he ever becomes anything more than a roster filler/minor leaguer.

I would assume Brent will be a guy you can add to the roster in Rockford at this point. I think Dale probably made this deal just to get rid of a defenseman who really didn't have a place with the team any more and whom they didn't want to put in the minors again either.