The Chicago Blackhawks swung their second trade of the day, shipping veteran forward Martin Lapointe to the Ottawa Senators for a sixth round draft pick.

Lapointe was once considered one of the better checking forwards in the NHL during his years with the Detroit Red Wings. He’s still considered to have value as a checker and leader and comes with plenty of playoff experience, although his best years were with the Wings in the late 1990s.

Senators energy forward and tough guy Chris Neil is currently sidelined with an injury which may be more serious that feared and thus required a replacement like Lapointe.

It’s also hoped that Lapointe’s grit and experience might help shake up what’s believed to be a moribund Senators dressing room given how the club has struggled since mid-March. That however remains to be seen.

For now the Senators will be happy if Lapointe can contribute on the ice.