But Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman was finished there, trading wingers Artemi Panarin, Tyler Motte and a 6th round draft pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Brandon Saad, goaltender Anton Forsberg and a fifth round draft pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. The 25-year-old was named to the All-NHL second team (alongside the likes of Sidney Crosby) at the league's awards show earlier this week after amassing 31 goals and 43 assists this season. He's a known quantity for Chicago as he played with the Blackhawks until 2015 when they dealt him to Columbus in the first place. The Hawks will receive defensemen Connor Murphy and Laurent Dauphin for the 10-year veteran.
Saad had 24 goals and 29 assists in 82 games for Columbus last season.
The 24-year-old Saad spent his first four seasons with Chicago, helping the Blackhawks win two Stanley Cup championships.
FILE - At left, in an October 14, 2016, file photo, Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (72), of Russian Federation, plays against the Nashville Predators during the second period of an NHL hockey game, in Nashville, Tenn. Toews and Saad played together on Chicago's top line for much of the time during his previous stint with the team. The Arizona Coyotes have acquired Hjalmarsson in a trade with the Blackhawks.
More news: Trump's Washington hotel saw almost $20 million in revenueSaad scored 24 goals and picked up 29 assists for the Blue Jackets a year ago as they racked up one of the best records in the National Hockey League. It also decided against re-signing captain Shane Doan after 21 years with the franchise, and then announced Thursday that Dave Tippett was out after eight seasons in a mutual agreement between the coach and the franchise.
"His rookie year will always rank among the best in franchise history and his exciting style of play provided many memorable moments for our fans during his two seasons as a member of the team", said Bowman of Panarin, a native of Korkino, Russia.
Hossa had 26 goals and 19 assists in 73 games last season.
Stepan, 27, is fresh off a 17-goal, 55 point season and has four seasons left on a deal that carries a $6.5 million United States salary cap hit.