Lively's Desjardins traded to Chicago Blackhawks

Lively’s Andrew Desjardins is going to be wearing a new NHL uniform for the first time in his five-year career.

Desjardins, 28, was traded by the San Jose Sharks to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for centre Ben Smith and a conditional draft pick during the 2015 NHL trade deadline on Monday.

Desjardins was signed as a free agent by the Sharks in 2010. In 272 NHL games, the 6-foot-1 centre has 15 goals and 48 points and 248 penalty minutes. He has five goals and eight points in 56 games so far this season and leads San Jose with six fighting majors.

Desjardins played four seasons with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds before embarking on a professional career despite never being drafted by an NHL team.

He signed his first minor pro contract with Worcester in 2008.

He and his wife, Mandy, welcomed their first child, Ames Richard Desjardins, born on Jan. 13.

Desjardins is expected to make his debut with Chicago on Friday when the team hosts the Edmonton Oilers.