On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Brian Hedger: (from Friday) If the Blackhawks keep their current roster until trade deadline, they could add a player that has a salary cap hit up to $5.3 million. Source saying that are looking into adding an impact forward in a trade and have spoken with the Toronto Maple Leafs about James van Riemsdyk and the Colorado Avalanche about Gabriel Landeskog. They don’t have anything imminent with regards to making a trade. Think that it’s unlikely the Blackhawks trade for either van Riemsdyk or Landeskog, but it’s interesting that they inquired about both players.
Brian Hedger of The Athletic: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman know their Stanley Cup window is still open. The Blackhawks have a problem area that he could address, the same one they had last season when they traded for left winger Andrew Ladd. The Blackhawks need to find a left winger for Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa.
There are 44 days until the trade deadline, and the Blackhawks are already checking the market out. Left wing options the Blackhawks could look at.
Patrick Sharp – 35-year old pending UFA. He’s had concussion issues this season, but won three Cups with the Blackhawks, and played with Toews and Hossa in 2014-15. Carries a $5.9 million cap hit and would count $1.3 million towards the cap at the deadline. The Blackhawks would need to send a roster player/salary to the Stars. The Stars are still in the playoff hunt, so they may not want to deal him. Blackhawks may not like the Stars asking price.
Jarome Iginla – 39-year old pending UFA. Iginla’s name has already been linked to the Blackhawks. He carries a $5.33 million cap hit, about $1.2 million in deadline space. Would need to send salary back or have the Avalanche retain some.
James van Riemsdyk – 27-years old and under contract till the end of next season. A $4.5 million cap and the Blackhawks have already inquired. They could treat him like a rent and trade for draft picks and prospects after the season, or they could keep for next year. To acquire van Riemsdyk, it may take a big name off their roster, someone like Brent Seabrook, plus a package of draft picks. Seabrook has seven years left on his deal at $6.8 million cap hit.
Martin Hanzal – 29-year old pending UFA. Hanzal could have the same impact as Antoine Vermette did a couple years ago. Carries a $3.1 million cap hit, so the Blackhawks could fit him in. Hanzal is a center, so may take time to adjust to the left side. The Coyotes may want a first round pick, something the Blackhawks may not want to give up with the draft being in Chicago this year.
Gabriel Landeskog – 24-years old, with four more years left on his deal with a $5.57 million cap hit. Cost to acquire would be high, which is why a trade with the Avs is unlikely.
