Weeks of speculation over the trade status of defenseman Cam Barker finally came to an end today as he was dealt by the Chicago Blackhawks to the Minnesota Wild. 

Heading to Chicago is veteran blueliner Kim Johnsson and defenseman Nick Leddy, who was the Wild's first round draft pick in 2009. 

Barker, 23, earned a significant raise last summer coming off a 40-point performance, landing a multi-year contract worth just over $3 million per season from the Blackhawks. Unfortunately however his numbers are down this season which stoked the rumor fires. 

Speculation was rampant the Blackhawks would shop for a goaltender but various reports out of Chicago in recent weeks suggested they were looking for an experienced defenseman. 

Johnsson, 33, is earning over $5 million for this season but the cap hit is around $3.3 million making this a very affordable swap cap-wise for the Blackhawks. 

He's also an unrestricted free agent this summer but probably won't be re-signed by the 'Hawks, as moving Barker's multi-year contract helps them get under the cap for next season too. 

In Johnsson the Blackhawks get the experienced defenseman they wanted plus they also have a piece of their blueline's future in Leddy.

The Wild meanwhile are getting a very promising young defenseman on an affordable three-year contract in Barker and will be banking on a change of scenery helping him regain his form. 

All in all, this should be a good move for both clubs.