Chicago Keeps Rolling: Andersen, Wotherspoon Added as Blackhawks Conclude Aggressive Deadline Day
Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2025 7:01 am
June 12, 2025 – Chicago, IL
Just when it seemed like GM Dillon Anderson was done, the Chicago Blackhawks made another major splash late Friday by acquiring veteran goaltender Frederik Andersen and defenseman Parker Wotherspoon from the Boston Bruins in exchange for a third-round pick and two fourth-round picks, only one of which comes from this year’s RSHL Draft.
“We weren’t planning on adding this late in the day, but the opportunity presented itself and we had to act,” Anderson said. “We needed a goaltender, and Fred gives us experience, poise, and playoff-caliber ability. Getting Parker back in the same deal? That’s just a bonus.”
The move capped off a chaotic, calculated day of activity from Chicago’s front office, marking a full overhaul of the blue line and depth chart.
Andersen Brings Stability in the Crease
The 34-year-old Andersen, a proven veteran with playoff experience and a steady glove, will immediately step in as the starter in Chicago.
“It’s a fresh start, and I’m ready for it,” Andersen said. “I’ve played in a lot of markets, but this one feels like a challenge I’m excited to take on. I want to help this team settle down defensively and build momentum heading toward next season.”
GM Anderson acknowledged the price but emphasized the importance of stability between the pipes:
“Frederik brings a level of calm we needed,” he said. “He’s been through wars in the playoffs. He’ll help anchor this group and let our younger guys grow in front of him.”
Wotherspoon Returns to Familiar Ice
In a twist of fate, Parker Wotherspoon returns to the Blackhawks after a brief stint in Vancouver, rejoining a locker room that clearly welcomed his style of play.
“Yeah, I honestly didn’t unpack all my stuff,” Wotherspoon joked. “It was a short trip, but I’m thrilled to be back. I really liked the direction this team was going when I was here, and I think we’re building something special.”
Anderson added: “We didn’t expect to circle back so soon, but it made sense once things shifted on the back end. Parker’s steady, smart, and he knows our system. It was a no-brainer to bring him home.”
Aggressive Day Signals Blackhawks’ Direction
Friday’s trades also saw the Blackhawks acquire Scott Mayfield, Jordan Harris, and Sam Lafferty, while parting ways with David Perron, Erik Johnson, Braden Smith, and several picks.
Harris, a 25-year-old puck mover from Nashville, called the trade a smart move for Chicago and a mistake for the Predators.
“I knew I was a name teams were watching,” Harris said. “Nashville’s chasing something, but they’re behind St. Louis and I don’t think they make it. This team in Chicago’s building something the right way.”
Mayfield admitted he was surprised to be dealt but welcomed the chance to play top-pair minutes again. Lafferty, acquired for a fourth-rounder, compared Chicago’s gritty, hardworking style to what he knew in Detroit and said he’s ready to earn his role.
What’s Next? Draft Preparation and Prospect Talks
Despite Friday’s flurry of activity, Anderson left the door slightly open for more movement.
“We’re still engaging with teams on some of our prospects,” he said. “There’s interest, and if we can turn a few into draft picks, we’ll do that. But in terms of big deals—yeah, we’re done. The focus now shifts to our draft board.”
With 28 draft picks in hand, the Blackhawks have more selections than any other team in the RSHL. Their approach is clear: build from the ground up, add experience where it matters, and take control of the team’s long-term destiny.
“We were aggressive today,” Anderson said. “But it’s with purpose. Now it’s about execution.”
Let me know if you’d like this styled as a newsletter, formatted for the team site, or turned into a press release!
Just when it seemed like GM Dillon Anderson was done, the Chicago Blackhawks made another major splash late Friday by acquiring veteran goaltender Frederik Andersen and defenseman Parker Wotherspoon from the Boston Bruins in exchange for a third-round pick and two fourth-round picks, only one of which comes from this year’s RSHL Draft.
“We weren’t planning on adding this late in the day, but the opportunity presented itself and we had to act,” Anderson said. “We needed a goaltender, and Fred gives us experience, poise, and playoff-caliber ability. Getting Parker back in the same deal? That’s just a bonus.”
The move capped off a chaotic, calculated day of activity from Chicago’s front office, marking a full overhaul of the blue line and depth chart.
Andersen Brings Stability in the Crease
The 34-year-old Andersen, a proven veteran with playoff experience and a steady glove, will immediately step in as the starter in Chicago.
“It’s a fresh start, and I’m ready for it,” Andersen said. “I’ve played in a lot of markets, but this one feels like a challenge I’m excited to take on. I want to help this team settle down defensively and build momentum heading toward next season.”
GM Anderson acknowledged the price but emphasized the importance of stability between the pipes:
“Frederik brings a level of calm we needed,” he said. “He’s been through wars in the playoffs. He’ll help anchor this group and let our younger guys grow in front of him.”
Wotherspoon Returns to Familiar Ice
In a twist of fate, Parker Wotherspoon returns to the Blackhawks after a brief stint in Vancouver, rejoining a locker room that clearly welcomed his style of play.
“Yeah, I honestly didn’t unpack all my stuff,” Wotherspoon joked. “It was a short trip, but I’m thrilled to be back. I really liked the direction this team was going when I was here, and I think we’re building something special.”
Anderson added: “We didn’t expect to circle back so soon, but it made sense once things shifted on the back end. Parker’s steady, smart, and he knows our system. It was a no-brainer to bring him home.”
Aggressive Day Signals Blackhawks’ Direction
Friday’s trades also saw the Blackhawks acquire Scott Mayfield, Jordan Harris, and Sam Lafferty, while parting ways with David Perron, Erik Johnson, Braden Smith, and several picks.
Harris, a 25-year-old puck mover from Nashville, called the trade a smart move for Chicago and a mistake for the Predators.
“I knew I was a name teams were watching,” Harris said. “Nashville’s chasing something, but they’re behind St. Louis and I don’t think they make it. This team in Chicago’s building something the right way.”
Mayfield admitted he was surprised to be dealt but welcomed the chance to play top-pair minutes again. Lafferty, acquired for a fourth-rounder, compared Chicago’s gritty, hardworking style to what he knew in Detroit and said he’s ready to earn his role.
What’s Next? Draft Preparation and Prospect Talks
Despite Friday’s flurry of activity, Anderson left the door slightly open for more movement.
“We’re still engaging with teams on some of our prospects,” he said. “There’s interest, and if we can turn a few into draft picks, we’ll do that. But in terms of big deals—yeah, we’re done. The focus now shifts to our draft board.”
With 28 draft picks in hand, the Blackhawks have more selections than any other team in the RSHL. Their approach is clear: build from the ground up, add experience where it matters, and take control of the team’s long-term destiny.
“We were aggressive today,” Anderson said. “But it’s with purpose. Now it’s about execution.”
Let me know if you’d like this styled as a newsletter, formatted for the team site, or turned into a press release!