On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Scott Powers of The Athletic: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has mentioned that he could make a ‘hockey trade’ before the deadline. He could also move out some pending free agents for draft picks and/or prospects.
The Blackhawks will likely test the market for Lance Bouma, Michal Kempny and Tommy Wingels.
Prospect Dylan Sikura is in his senior season and is not eligible to sign a contract for another month or so. Sikura also has the option to not sign with the Blackhawks and becomes a free agent on August 15th.
“No indications, no reason not to think he wants to sign with us,” Bowman said on Saturday. “We’ve had great dialogue going back three years with Dylan. Great discussions with him and his agent. Ultimately that’s his call, but I know he follows our team closely. … Very hopeful. I don’t have any reason not to be.”
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Trevor Linden and GM Jim Benning have had ongoing “discussions” about a potential contract extension.
believes that those talks are over and that Linden wants to bring Benning back. Ownership has the final say though.
There are some who think Ken Holland could be a GM option for the Canucks if he doesn’t return to Detroit, but Canucks already have a president in place.
Former Kings GM Dean Lombardi is another name that has generated some buzz.
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Last week backup goaltender Anders Nilsson said that he hasn’t asked for a trade.
“I would never ask for a trade,” said Nilsson, who hasn’t started a game since Jan. 21 and because of that, has become the forgotten goalie. “For numerous reasons, I’ve been around. I’ve been on a lot of teams. I signed a two-year deal and I want to play here.
“I’m just going to work harder, and stay focused and be committed.”
