Blackhawks Acquire Spencer Abbott From Maple Leafs

(CBS) In a minor deal ahead of Monday's trade deadline, the Blackhawks have acquired forward Spencer Abbott from the Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman T.J. Brennan.

Abbott, 26, will report to AHL Rockford. He's recorded 127 points in 168 career AHL games over portions of four seasons with the Toronto Marlies. He made his NHL debut in October 2013 for the Maple Leafs.

The 25-year-old Brennan led the Rockford IceHogs with 36 points in 54 games this season. He had yet to play a game for the Blackhawks this season.

Chicago figures to still be active on the trade market ahead of Monday's deadline. The Blackhawks have long needed another quality defenseman, and they have a void to fill with the loss of star winger Patrick Kane for 12 weeks to a broken left clavicle.

Chicago has expressed interest in Arizona forward Antoine Vermette as a late-season rental, ESPN.com reported. The Blackhawks have interest in Blue Jackets winger Cam Atkinson, the Sun-Times' Mark Lazerus reported.