Andrew Desjardins reflects on unexpected trade to Blackhawks

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SAN JOSE, Calif. – Andrew Desjardins didn’t expect anything to happen last trade deadline; he figured the day would come and go and he’d still be with the San Jose Sharks.

He certainly got a surprise when the deadline rolled around and he was sent to the Blackhawks in exchange for Ben Smith. But as with most surprises, it turned out to be a good one.

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Desjardins lifted his first Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks last June as part of a dependable fourth line with Andrew Shaw and Marcus Kruger. Making his second trip to the Bay Area since that deal, Desjardins reflected on what it felt like to win the Cup for the first time.

“Just that whole process of it was outstanding. Just how much hard work, how much of a roller coaster, up-and-down [there is] in the playoffs, to raise it was just one of those deep-breath moments,” Desjardins said. “It was just an amazing feeling to have your family down there, everyone who’s been your backbone throughout your career. To share that with them was amazing.”

Desjardins got back into the lineup in Calgary after being a healthy scratch for three games prior to that. When Desjardins was first told he was traded from San Jose, it wasn’t easy. He’d spent most of his professional career with the Sharks, playing with the minor-league affiliate in Worcester before getting called up for good in the 2010-11 season.

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“Yeah, obviously it was tough being here for the time that I was, 4-5 years, good years and with a good group of guys. I was fortunate that a lot of the guys were the same guys for that whole time, the coaching staff, as well. It made it difficult; I wasn’t expecting it to happen,” he said. “But obviously coming to another good team was an amazing feeling as well. After the dust settled about the trade, you’re going to a good team and that was an awesome feeling as well.”

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