Well, we knew it was coming. With the payroll as it stood, the Blackhawks were going to have to make some tough decisions regarding the future of the team. Still, it was hard to see the news last night that the Hawks dealt playoff star and fan favorite Dustin Byfuglien to the Atlanta Thrashers last night. Over the last few years, Byfuglien had become my favorite player on the team, so I'm really sorry to see the big man go. He was almost traded before the trade deadline, so I guess it's good that he stuck around long enough to notch 11 playoff goals, which included 5 game winners, and win a Stanley Cup. Along with Big Buff, the Hawks also sent our #1 goon, Ben Eager, human bruise Brent Sopel, and prospect Akim Aliu to Atlanta in return for first and second round draft picks, center Marty Reasoner, and forwards Joey Crabb, and Jeremy Morin. I don't know enough about the East to say whether or not the Hawks got a good deal or not.

I knew a move had to be made to clear cap space, but I was really hoping it wouldn't be Big Buff, since we don't really have another big guy like him on the team. I would have rather seen the Hawks deal Kris Versteeg or maybe even Patrick Sharp. There may be more moves to come, so any of the guys not locked up long term (Toews, Kane, Hossa, Keith) may be fair game. An unwelcome reminder that sports is a business as well as a pleasure.

So long, Big Buff. Thanks for your part in making the playoffs this year something to remember. It was awesome.