12:38 p.m. TSN reports the Blackhawks have acquired winger Andrew Ladd from Carolina for Tuomo Ruutu.
Analysis: This move has "change of scenery" written all over it. Ruutu, 25, a former No. 9 overall pick, scored 23 goals four years ago with the Blackhawks but has been a major disappointment this year (six goals in 60 games).
Ladd, a former No. 4 overall pick, is only 22, but the Hurricanes had hoped he would emerge as a better scorer by now. They've experiemented with him on their top scoring lines and their power play, but he's been in and out of the lineup with injuries and has just nine goals this season.
It makes sense that the rebuilding Blackhawks, who have lots of young talent at forward, would gamble on the slightly younger player, while the Hurricanes, who are in a tight battle for first place in Southeast Division, would want the more experienced of the two.