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Wilson sent from Blackhawks to Sharks

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks Friday traded six-time All- Star defenseman Doug Wilson to the expansion San Jose Sharks for a prospect and a future draft choice.

Wilson, 34, a local crowd favorite who won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman in 1981-82, has spent his entire 14-year career with the Blackhawks. He still is regarded as having one of the hardest and most accurate slap shots in the game and departs as the club's all- time highest scoring defenseman in goals (225), assists (554) and points (779).

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In return for Wilson, the Blackhawks received 20-year-old right wing Kerry Toporowski, who was a fourth-round pick in the 1991 entry draft, along with a second-round draft choice in 1992.

Wilson had a no-trade clause in his contract, but approved the deal after three stormy seasons under Coach-General Manager Mike Keenan.

'Doug Wilson brings a lot of things to the Sharks,' San Jose GM Jack Ferreira said. 'First, he will provide leadership and experience for our young corps of defensemen. He is a proven offensively minded defenseman, a commodity every team looks to have.'

Toporowski, 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds, played for the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League last season. He had 11 goals and 16 assists in 65 games while racking up 505 penalty minutes.

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Despite his popularity in Chicago, it became clear last season that Wilson would not be back for the 1991-92 campaign. The deteriorating relationship with Keenan came to a head during the playoffs, when an injured Wilson offered to pay his own way to fly to Minnesota and play in a game against the North Stars, but Keenan told him not to bother.

The trade, rumored for several weeks, came on the day Blackhawk veterans reported for the start of training camp.

'We've all grown up loving the game,' Wilson said at an emotional news conference, 'and when you're in an atmosphere where that isn't there, it's not healthy.'

Bob Pulford, Blackhawks senior vice president who joined the organization in 1977 and has spent time as coach and general manager, said: 'It's not a happy day.'

Wilson became the second high-profile and long-time member of the Blackhawks traded by Keenan in two years. Last off-season, Keenan dealt popular centerman Denis Savard to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Chris Chelios under similar circumstances.

'I was sadder when Denis was traded than I am for my situation -- 10 times over,' Wilson said, 'because of the way it was handled. No person, especially somebody like Denis, should have to go through what he went through. Denis carried this franchise ... .' Wilson's voice then trailed off.

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Keenan issued a prepared statement, saying 'The Blackhawks are appreciative of Doug Wilson's contributions to the hockey team over the years. ... We wish Doug all the best.'

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