Blackhawks acquire Oilers prospect Liam Coughlin for goaltender Anders Nilsson

The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired forward Liam Coughlin from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for goaltender Anders Nilsson, the team announced Monday. Nilsson's rights had been with Chicago since the Nick Leddy trade last year.

Coughlin, 20, was drafted by Edmonton in the fifth round (No. 130 overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft. He recorded 20 goals and 60 points in 54 games with the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia League during the 2014-15 season and is committed to the University of Vermont.

Nilsson, 25, was a member of the New York Islanders before bolting to the KHL last season after expressing frustration with his role. The Blackhawks acquired his rights as part of the Leddy trade, but never signed him given their glut of players at the position. Nilsson has shown interest in returning to the NHL if he can stick on a team, something Chicago couldn't promise with Corey Crawford and Scott Darling already under contract. Maybe he'll get that chance in Edmonton.

Coughlin doesn't seem to be a significant prospect, but he gives the Hawks another flier as he heads to college. Maybe he'll develop some skills in Vermont and become a chip for the team down the line. It doesn't seem like Nilsson was ever going to be an option given the emergence of Darling over the past year so this was probably the best the Hawks could do while shipping him out. Hopefully Ville Pokka works out so the team gets something from losing Leddy, though.