Pahlsson skates, may play in a week

New Blackhawk Sammy Pahlsson skates, hopes to play in a week

March 9, 2009

Newly acquired center Samuel Pahlsson with Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon. (Tribune photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo / March 8, 2009)

The latest piece of the Blackhawks' puzzle got in a little light skating before Sunday's loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

Sammy Pahlsson, acquired in Wednesday's trade with the Anaheim Ducks, said he could join the lineup in a week or so "if everything goes really well."

"Just a quick one on the ice to get a feel for it a little bit," Pahlsson said. "I haven't skated or worked out for a long time. I have to get some strength back and get used to skating and being on the ice again."

Pahlsson hasn't played since Jan. 31 because of mononucleosis, but that didn't stop general manager Dale Tallon from acquiring the veteran. He hopes the 31-year-old center will use his experience and strong defensive play to bolster a young team.

"[Pahlsson] is a very intense player, very competitive and very skilled as well," Tallon said. "He's one of the best defensive forwards in the game and plays with a lot of grit and determination."

Pahlsson had five goals and 10 assists in 52 games with the Ducks and led Anaheim centers with a 53.5 faceoff percentage. He played on the Ducks' Stanley Cup championship team in 2006-07.

"I try to play hard," Pahlsson said. "Every night I always leave everything out there. I try to be physical when it's time for it. I finish my checks and take pride in winning battles all over the ice."

Generally speaking: Tallon is heading to the NHL general managers meeting beginning Monday in Naples, Fla. When he returns, he expects to meet with Allan Walsh, the agent for winger Martin Havlat.

"We'll probably meet sometime at the end of this week or next week, and we'll see if we can get something done," Tallon said. "We want him here, so we'll do everything in our power to keep him."

Havlat is in the final year of a $6 million contract. He has been an offensive force this season with 21 goals and 36 assists. The veteran was injured during the second period of the Hawks' 5-1 loss to the Avalanche, but the severity or exact nature of the lower-body injury is unknown.