Chicago Blackhawks Rumours and Spoilers

This is a post from Tim Sassone who covers the Blackhawks for Chicago's Daily Herald and has been nominated for the Hockey Hall of Fame's Elmer Ferguson award in 2007 I only mention this as to many Eklund made up rumours around one must consider the source of the rumour I think it might not be a bad idea to always post your source when posting a rumour here my comments appear between the rumours in red. Once again there are trade rumors all around the NHL involving the Hawks. Take or leave these: Khabibulin to New Jersey. No way this happens Lou Amerillo is very stingy and Khabibulin's 6.75 miliion is far to much for the Devils and thier poor home attendance and the second reason is right now the Bulin wall has been the better of our two goaltenders Barker to Washington in a package for Nylander. Nylander was recently sctracthed (healthy) for his soft play fueling speculation he is available and Cam Barker remains are most sought after asset (tradeable) also read in a Washington Paper that deal almost happend but that the Caps were insistent on Dustin Byfuglien and Dave Tallon was not willing to part ways with the forward, one other thing of note Nylander does have a dreded "no trade clause" and may not be willing to move even if a deal is arranged Barker to Ottawa. Sopel going somewhere. It is no secret the Sens are looking to acquire a puck moving defenseman with some experience that is why I have combined these rumours altough everyone loves Cam powerplay abilities and offensive upside for the Sens the real fit would be Sopel. We have great depth at D so a package based on Sopel for Chris Neil who among other things would add some much needed grit to our team is not unbelieveable Mats Sundin considering the Hawks as a free agent. Eklund posted this yesterday as his BIG rumour that Mats met with the Hawks Len Ziehm of Chicago Sun Times reports Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon admits having talks with the agents for UFA forwards Mats Sundin and Brendan Shanahan but not Peter Forsberg. I didn't post it but Peter Forsberg is another name I keep hearing connected to the Blackhawks, we do need a second line center and would love to move Patrick Sharp back to the wing, but given Forsberg's struggles to remain healthy at this point no reputable source is behind this rumour It's obvious that Dale Tallon is talking to people about doing something. Moving Barker might be a chance for him to free up at least some money ($2.7 million) without dealing Khabibulin just yet. Are the Hawks having second thoughts about trading Khabibulin? Without a doubt, yes they are. If the Devils do want Khabibulin they might need to offer something significant back, perhaps center John Madden. I don't think the Hawks are just going to give Khabibulin away anymore Another good point by Tim Sassone and one offshoot rumour of Khabibulin's play is that Huet might be available? at this point with the Bulin walls salary coming off next year it is plausible but not a reality there is no future in Khabibulin beyond maybe the next season or two and the Hawks have a great young core and want their goalie to backstop them for the forseeable future; that said this may change the Hawks will not wait forever for Huet to play well