Brendan Morrison finds the timing is right

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Updated: March 4, 2012 8:17AM

EDMONTON, Alberta — Brendan Morrison admitted Thursday he was a little surprised when he got the call over the All-Star break, telling him he was traded.

Not about the fact he was acquired by the Blackhawks from the Calgary Flames. Morrison was surprised at the timing.

“I thought something maybe might happen closer to the deadline,” said Morrison, who played on the second line with Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa for the second consecutive game. “But this might work out better because it gives me a longer opportunity to be with this team and mesh with guys.”

Morrison will have the chance to say his goodbyes to his former teammates and fans Friday when the Hawks play Calgary.

“I haven’t seen any of them [since the trade],” Morrison said. “We’ll see everybody for a little bit tomorrow and then it’s time to move on.”

Morrison said he’s already feeling at home in the Hawks locker room. While the 13-year veteran center knows he will be expected to provide some leadership, Morrison said he sees the opportunity to pick the brains of his new teammates.

“It’s kind of a two-way street,” Morrison said. “Sure I’m a veteran guy and played a lot of games, but I’m playing in a room here with a lot of guys who just recently won the Cup, which I haven’t done. You can learn from these guys as well.”

Carcillo feeling better

Patrick Kane has been in touch with Daniel Carcillo since the forward underwent surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

“I’ve talked to him a few times,” Kane said. “He’s in better spirits. He was a big piece of our team at that time. . . . It was sad to see him go down and I know he was having a pretty good season for what he brought to our team.”

Game notes

The Oilers played without star rookie Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (left shoulder) for the 13th consecutive game since he fell against the boards Jan. 2 at the United Center.

◆ Bryan Bickell played after being a healthy scratch in four of the previous five games.