GLENDALE, ARIZONA - Arizona Coyotes President of Hockey Operations and General Manager John Chayka announced tonight that the Coyotes have acquired center Nick Schmaltz from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for forward Brendan Perlini and center Dylan Strome.

"Nick is a dynamic forward with top line potential," said Chayka. "We feel he can be a core player of our team now and into the future. He's a good complement to our evolving forward group and a rare combination of speed, skill and creativity."

The 22-year-old Schmaltz has registered 2-9-11 and six penalty minutes (PIM) in 23 games with the Blackhawks this season.

The 6-foot, 177-pound native of Madison, WI has recorded 29-62-91 and 30 PIM in 162 career NHL games with Chicago. Last season, Schmaltz recorded 21-31-52 and 18 PIM in his second season in the NHL.