TSN's Bob McKenzie is reporting that the Hawks have let Cam Barker go to Minnesota for pending UFA defenseman Kim Johnsson and the Wild's first round pick from last year, defenseman Nick Leddy.

We lose a defensive liability and gain an experienced all around skills guy who can score on the power play, as well as a nice prospect, while dumping $3MM in salary. Nice move Stan and company!

This sounds exactly like what the doctor ordered  to me.

And Niemi to start tomorrow night.