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Trade: ‘Hawks get Handzus from San Jose

Michal Handzus 2

The San Jose Sharks have traded one of their big-bodied forwards.

It’s just not the one you’d expect.

With trade rumors swirling around Ryane Clowe, the Sharks flipped the script and sent center Michal Handzus to Chicago in exchange for a fourth-round pick, according to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun.

Handzus, 36, will head to Chicago for the second time in his career. He was traded to the ‘Hawks in 2006 (in exchange for Kyle Calder), but suffered a torn ACL just eight games into the season.

It should be noted that, prior to getting hurt, he was a point-a-game guy.

As for holdovers from that ’06-07 ‘Hawks team? They include Patrick Sharp (who also played with Handzus in Philly) Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.

Handzus has been with the Sharks for the last two years after spending four seasons in Los Angeles. He has 1G-1A-2PTS in 28 games this year and is averaging 13:32 TOI per game.

The Slovak’s real value will come in the faceoff circle, as he’s won over 55 percent of his draws this season for the Sharks.

He’ll also give Chicago size down the middle -- he’s 6-foot-4, 220 pounds -- and some additional playoff experience, having appeared in 74 postseason contests.

Oh yeah, “Zeus” should give the ‘Hawks another option in the shootout.

He’s been one of San Jose’s go-to shooters this season, taking a team-high seven attempts, converting three times (he and Logan Couture are tied for the team lead in shootout goals).

Should also be noted the move reunites Handzus with countryman Marian Hossa -- the pair were teammates for Slovakia at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, where they finished fourth.