Coming off an eight game losing streak, the rumor mill has caught fire with Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman looking at some new options on the trade front concerning the goaltending position. Along with that, the recent addition of Brendan Morrison hasn't exactly satisfied Joel Quenneville's hunger for a productive center.
FORWARDS
Yes, the Blackhawks are still in the hunt for another forward. Some names have dropped off the list, including Edmonton Oilers center Sam Gagner. Although the Blackhawks had a very high interest level in the young center, his price has skyrocketed to an amount Bowman is not willing to pay.
DEREK ROY
CENTER | BUFFALO SABRES
Roy continues to stick on the list as a serious candidate for the Blackhawks. With the teams tumble down the Western Conference standings, the Blackhawks desperation continues to climb.
Bowman has been searching for a second line center since November and plans really have not changed despite the addition of Brendan Morrison.
With the Blackhawks being linked to the Sabres for several weeks now, Roy looks like a hot candidate for forwards. He has one-year left on his contract for a hefty cap hit of $4 million, but the Hawks have no problem taking that type of salary on to solidify their top-six forwards.
TON'S TAKE: Morrison has not shown enough to take on the role that the Blackhawks expected of him. Since being acquired, his ice-time has dropped significantly and demoted to the 4th line. Roy has struggled this season, but for the right price he would be a great addition.
TUOMO RUUTU
LEFT WING | CAROLINA HURRICANES
Similar to the situation of Tim Gleason weeks ago, the Blackhawks chances of acquiring the center hinges on whether or not Rutherford can sign Ruutu to a contract extension.
Recent reports are that the Hurricanes are trying to come to terms with Ruutu, but lately, it seems as if both sides are not getting any closer. If this continues, Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford will put out an offer that Ruutu will either take or leave.
"We have now made re-signing Tuomo a priority," Rutherford said. "If we're not able to agree, both sides need to have some leeway and some options. We need to make a decision and he needs to make a decision."
Chicago remains a hot candidate for Tuomo to land, along with the Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, and a slew of other teams.
TON'S TAKE: Rutherford did a great job in re-signing Gleason for a good price and term, but I don't think he'll be as lucky with Ruutu. He wants a long-term deal, I'm sure the Hurricanes agree, but the actual salary has always been an issue for Ruutu. The question is, will they pay up? Or will they cut their losses and cash in?
ADAM BURISH
CENTER/WING | DALLAS STARS
It has been reported that Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is indeed talking to the Dallas Stars about returning Adam Burish to Chicago. The former Blackhawk is set to become a UFA this summer and has a cap hit of $1.15 million.
Burish would be an injection of energy into an otherwise dull line-up, also providing added chemistry in helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010.
In 38 games this season, Burish has scored 4 goals and 8 assists for a total of 12 points, also adding 48 PIMs and a plus-1 rating.
TON'S TAKE: Burish isn't a second line center, a goalie, or a defenseman. So he doesn't exactly fit the bill of what the Blackhawks want but I don't think anyone can really argue that he wouldn't be an improvement of what the Blackhawks are currently icing on their bottom two lines. The energy in the locker room alone could help keep them alive.
DEFENSEMAN
Plenty of defenseman have dropped off the list in the last few weeks, including Tim Gleason and Francois Beauchemin. Stan Bowman has admitted recently that the market for a defenseman isn't as active as he would like, so he may be willing to explore more options than just one particular type of defenseman.
"There's a lot of teams looking for a defenseman, so I think probably a few weeks ago people wouldn't have expected Gleason to be signed," Bowman told reporters recently. "We're going to listen to whatever's out there."
CHRIS CAMPOLI
DEFENSEMAN | MONTREAL CANADIENS
Since returning from a fluke injury earlier in the season, Campoli has found himself as an active contributor to the Canadiens line-up.
With the Blackhawks preferring a decent puck moving defenseman with solid skating skills, Campoli seems to fit the bill most with others off the market.
In 18 games this season, Campoli has contributed 1 goal and 3 assists for the Canadiens. With his return, he has been seeing power-play time with Montreal and regularly sees over 15 minutes of ice-time on a nightly basis.
TON'S TAKE: Campoli would make sense, with his prior history, it would be a comfortable transition and provide instant chemistry. With Stan overturning the roster pretty much every season, a little bit of chemistry should be welcomed over someone with a little more talent than Chris has.
ANDY SUTTON
DEFENSEMAN | EDMONTON OILERS
The Oilers won't make the playoffs this season, it's been well known that they will be sellers for quite some time now. Not many teams are in their situation and they will have an upper hand in pawning off the band-aids of their roster.
Sutton is among the names that the Blackhawks have been looking at. Although they prefer puck movement over brawn, they may not have much of an option and considering they have been interested in several pieces of the Oilers line-up, they have certainly had a great view of Sutton during that time.
That said, it is believed that the Oilers are actually looking to re-sign Sutton to a one-year deal for under $2 million. If he does sign, scratch another defenseman off the trade block.
Sutton has appeared in 33 games this season, scoring 3 goals and 6 assists. The big defenseman has also added 57 hits and 56 PIM.
TON'S TAKE: Not sure Sutton is much better than what the Blackhawks currently have slotted at the #6 spot. If there is any defenseman that the Blackhawks should be looking for to help the club, they probably won't find them on an Oilers roster who seems to have their own problems on the back-end. Just wait, this is the precursor to Cam Barker rumors.
BRYAN ALLEN
DEFENSEMAN | CAROLINA HURRICANES
Less likely than the first two candidates, Bryan Allen continues to circle in Blackhawk rumors. With the Hurricanes re0signing Tim Gleason, and currently talking to Tuomo Ruutu, they have expressed little interest in giving Allen an extension.
What does this mean for the towering 6-5 defenseman?
Well, chances are they won't just let him walk away for nothing.
In 56 games this season, Allen has contributed 7 assists, 70 hits, and 119 blocked shots.
TON'S TAKE: Probably the best choice for a defensive defenseman. There really aren't many out there right now and Allen would be a better option than anything the Blackhawks currently have on their bottom pairing. I find it somewhat funny that the same teams keep occurring in the rumor mill, there really aren't that many sellers this season.
GOALTENDERS
Yes, the Blackhawks have finally entered the pool of teams interested in a goaltender. They didn't just easy their way in either, they dove off the high dive.
NIKOLAI KHABIBULIN
GOALTENDER | EDMONTON OILERS
The hottest topic lately for the Blackhawks has been the goaltending position with Corey Crawford and Ray Emery unable to grab a hold of the reigns. With the Blackhawks connection to the Edmonton Oilers all season, it is speculated that they may be looking at multiple players with Khabibulin being the main candidate.
It's no secret that the Blackhawks have been scouting the Oilers lately. Considering they are already familiar with Khabibulin they could be looking for a package.
In 32 games this season, Khabibulin has a 12-16-4 record, including 2 shutouts coupled with a .917 save percentage and 2.52 goals against average. His cap hit is at $3.75 million and is extended for one more year beyond this season.
TON'S TAKE: Khabby has struggled at times this season, he is nearing the end of his career, and has been a flat out disappointment in Edmonton. That said, he may be a minor improvement over what the Blackhawks currently have. The question is, what happens to Corey Crawford and would it really be worth damaging him even further?
EVGENI NABOKOV
GOALTENDER | NEW YORK ISLANDERS
The Islanders have fielded phone calls on Nabokov for quite some time now and it is said that Stan Bowman may look to get into the mix.
However, Islanders GM Garth Snow has stated that he has no plans on trading the aging goaltender but that could mean that he hasn't found the right offer yet.
The Blackhawks have also scouted the Islanders multiple times this season, and have had contact with the organization several times.
Nabokov has appeared in 29 games this year, compiling a 13-14-0 record along with 2 shutouts. He's had a mint save percentage of .923 and goals against average of 2.29.
TON'S TAKE: If they have to pick up a goaltender, I would be more comfortable with Nabokov. But quite honestly, I don't think it's a talent issue that Chicago is having right now. Never-the-less, a shake up is needed and perhaps it's the goaltending position that will be on the receiving end.
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FORWARDS
Yes, the Blackhawks are still in the hunt for another forward. Some names have dropped off the list, including Edmonton Oilers center Sam Gagner. Although the Blackhawks had a very high interest level in the young center, his price has skyrocketed to an amount Bowman is not willing to pay.
DEREK ROY
CENTER | BUFFALO SABRES
Roy continues to stick on the list as a serious candidate for the Blackhawks. With the teams tumble down the Western Conference standings, the Blackhawks desperation continues to climb.Bowman has been searching for a second line center since November and plans really have not changed despite the addition of Brendan Morrison.
With the Blackhawks being linked to the Sabres for several weeks now, Roy looks like a hot candidate for forwards. He has one-year left on his contract for a hefty cap hit of $4 million, but the Hawks have no problem taking that type of salary on to solidify their top-six forwards.
TON'S TAKE: Morrison has not shown enough to take on the role that the Blackhawks expected of him. Since being acquired, his ice-time has dropped significantly and demoted to the 4th line. Roy has struggled this season, but for the right price he would be a great addition.
TUOMO RUUTU
LEFT WING | CAROLINA HURRICANES
Similar to the situation of Tim Gleason weeks ago, the Blackhawks chances of acquiring the center hinges on whether or not Rutherford can sign Ruutu to a contract extension.Recent reports are that the Hurricanes are trying to come to terms with Ruutu, but lately, it seems as if both sides are not getting any closer. If this continues, Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford will put out an offer that Ruutu will either take or leave.
"We have now made re-signing Tuomo a priority," Rutherford said. "If we're not able to agree, both sides need to have some leeway and some options. We need to make a decision and he needs to make a decision."
Chicago remains a hot candidate for Tuomo to land, along with the Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, and a slew of other teams.
TON'S TAKE: Rutherford did a great job in re-signing Gleason for a good price and term, but I don't think he'll be as lucky with Ruutu. He wants a long-term deal, I'm sure the Hurricanes agree, but the actual salary has always been an issue for Ruutu. The question is, will they pay up? Or will they cut their losses and cash in?
ADAM BURISH
CENTER/WING | DALLAS STARS
It has been reported that Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is indeed talking to the Dallas Stars about returning Adam Burish to Chicago. The former Blackhawk is set to become a UFA this summer and has a cap hit of $1.15 million.Burish would be an injection of energy into an otherwise dull line-up, also providing added chemistry in helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010.
In 38 games this season, Burish has scored 4 goals and 8 assists for a total of 12 points, also adding 48 PIMs and a plus-1 rating.
TON'S TAKE: Burish isn't a second line center, a goalie, or a defenseman. So he doesn't exactly fit the bill of what the Blackhawks want but I don't think anyone can really argue that he wouldn't be an improvement of what the Blackhawks are currently icing on their bottom two lines. The energy in the locker room alone could help keep them alive.
DEFENSEMAN
Plenty of defenseman have dropped off the list in the last few weeks, including Tim Gleason and Francois Beauchemin. Stan Bowman has admitted recently that the market for a defenseman isn't as active as he would like, so he may be willing to explore more options than just one particular type of defenseman.
"There's a lot of teams looking for a defenseman, so I think probably a few weeks ago people wouldn't have expected Gleason to be signed," Bowman told reporters recently. "We're going to listen to whatever's out there."
CHRIS CAMPOLI
DEFENSEMAN | MONTREAL CANADIENS
Since returning from a fluke injury earlier in the season, Campoli has found himself as an active contributor to the Canadiens line-up.With the Blackhawks preferring a decent puck moving defenseman with solid skating skills, Campoli seems to fit the bill most with others off the market.
In 18 games this season, Campoli has contributed 1 goal and 3 assists for the Canadiens. With his return, he has been seeing power-play time with Montreal and regularly sees over 15 minutes of ice-time on a nightly basis.
TON'S TAKE: Campoli would make sense, with his prior history, it would be a comfortable transition and provide instant chemistry. With Stan overturning the roster pretty much every season, a little bit of chemistry should be welcomed over someone with a little more talent than Chris has.
ANDY SUTTON
DEFENSEMAN | EDMONTON OILERS
The Oilers won't make the playoffs this season, it's been well known that they will be sellers for quite some time now. Not many teams are in their situation and they will have an upper hand in pawning off the band-aids of their roster.Sutton is among the names that the Blackhawks have been looking at. Although they prefer puck movement over brawn, they may not have much of an option and considering they have been interested in several pieces of the Oilers line-up, they have certainly had a great view of Sutton during that time.
That said, it is believed that the Oilers are actually looking to re-sign Sutton to a one-year deal for under $2 million. If he does sign, scratch another defenseman off the trade block.
Sutton has appeared in 33 games this season, scoring 3 goals and 6 assists. The big defenseman has also added 57 hits and 56 PIM.
TON'S TAKE: Not sure Sutton is much better than what the Blackhawks currently have slotted at the #6 spot. If there is any defenseman that the Blackhawks should be looking for to help the club, they probably won't find them on an Oilers roster who seems to have their own problems on the back-end. Just wait, this is the precursor to Cam Barker rumors.
BRYAN ALLEN
DEFENSEMAN | CAROLINA HURRICANES
Less likely than the first two candidates, Bryan Allen continues to circle in Blackhawk rumors. With the Hurricanes re0signing Tim Gleason, and currently talking to Tuomo Ruutu, they have expressed little interest in giving Allen an extension.What does this mean for the towering 6-5 defenseman?
Well, chances are they won't just let him walk away for nothing.
In 56 games this season, Allen has contributed 7 assists, 70 hits, and 119 blocked shots.
TON'S TAKE: Probably the best choice for a defensive defenseman. There really aren't many out there right now and Allen would be a better option than anything the Blackhawks currently have on their bottom pairing. I find it somewhat funny that the same teams keep occurring in the rumor mill, there really aren't that many sellers this season.
GOALTENDERS
Yes, the Blackhawks have finally entered the pool of teams interested in a goaltender. They didn't just easy their way in either, they dove off the high dive.
NIKOLAI KHABIBULIN
GOALTENDER | EDMONTON OILERS
The hottest topic lately for the Blackhawks has been the goaltending position with Corey Crawford and Ray Emery unable to grab a hold of the reigns. With the Blackhawks connection to the Edmonton Oilers all season, it is speculated that they may be looking at multiple players with Khabibulin being the main candidate.It's no secret that the Blackhawks have been scouting the Oilers lately. Considering they are already familiar with Khabibulin they could be looking for a package.
In 32 games this season, Khabibulin has a 12-16-4 record, including 2 shutouts coupled with a .917 save percentage and 2.52 goals against average. His cap hit is at $3.75 million and is extended for one more year beyond this season.
TON'S TAKE: Khabby has struggled at times this season, he is nearing the end of his career, and has been a flat out disappointment in Edmonton. That said, he may be a minor improvement over what the Blackhawks currently have. The question is, what happens to Corey Crawford and would it really be worth damaging him even further?
EVGENI NABOKOV
GOALTENDER | NEW YORK ISLANDERS
The Islanders have fielded phone calls on Nabokov for quite some time now and it is said that Stan Bowman may look to get into the mix.However, Islanders GM Garth Snow has stated that he has no plans on trading the aging goaltender but that could mean that he hasn't found the right offer yet.
The Blackhawks have also scouted the Islanders multiple times this season, and have had contact with the organization several times.
Nabokov has appeared in 29 games this year, compiling a 13-14-0 record along with 2 shutouts. He's had a mint save percentage of .923 and goals against average of 2.29.
TON'S TAKE: If they have to pick up a goaltender, I would be more comfortable with Nabokov. But quite honestly, I don't think it's a talent issue that Chicago is having right now. Never-the-less, a shake up is needed and perhaps it's the goaltending position that will be on the receiving end.
Original Story:
http://www.indianheadnation.com/page/...
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February 12, 2012
