Detroit passes a 31yr forward with his best years behind him and a D prospect who is not even in Chicago's top 15.

- Eh, Chad Krys is absolutely in the Hawks top 15. He's right after Boqvist, Beaudin and Mitchell - and is NHL ready to boot.
- Smith is a solid veteran bottom 6 player that can add leadership to a young Detroit team.
- 2nd round picks are great, especially in a deep draft like this one.

Detroit gets 3 pieces for a player with an uncertain future. Veleno could be top 6, bottom 6 or even a bust and troll the AHL..... Either way it will take at least a couple of years before we know for sure. So IMO, Veleno is a small price to pay for an NHL vet that can contribute now, an NHL ready defenseman and a 2nd round pick in a deep draft.

I couldn't see any GM passing up this deal -- I mean Veleno isn't even one of Detroit's top 5 prospects.