The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly very interested in adding Seth Jones or Dougie Hamilton to their blue-line. They currently have around $6 million in cap space with several RFA’s to sign. When Jonathan Toews comes off LTIR they will be looking to fit his $10 million hit, so it’s obvious that they will have a lot of work to do this offseason.
NHL Rumors: Blackhawks working to trade Duncan Keith
Longtime Hawks defenseman, Duncan Keith is reportedly willing to move on. The 37 year-old rearguard has two years left at $5.5 million per season with a full no-move clause. According to a report from Elliotte Friedman; he’s looking for a team in the Pacific Northwest or Western Canada.
Keith is looking to be closer to his family in British Columbia, but the Vancouver Canucks have no ability to take on the defenseman. There’s some talk that either the Flames or Oilers could be landing spots. I’ll throw in one more, the Seattle Kraken.
This past season, Keith played admirably and picked up 15 points in 54 games. He can still play big minutes as he averaged 23:25 per game. His new team will likely not require such a heavy load making Keith a nice veteran addition.
Ron Francis believes you build a team starting with defense; and Keith would be a great veteran leader.
Seattle Kraken working phones on trades
The expansion draft is set for July 21st and as teams prepare their protected lists, Ron Francis is working the phones on trades.
Kraken GM Ron Francis is navigating the trade waters and working the phone lines and could start to inch closer to making deals in advance of the July 21 Expansion Draft. Several teams are believed to be interest in moving out some salary and are hoping to use Seattle as a way to assist them, but the price tag set out by the Kraken to incentivize them to take on a high-priced player has led to some hesitancy.
The Fourth Period
However, it’s been widely reported that the cost of doing business with Seattle is very high. Especially if you want to work out a deal to protect an exposed player; say Matt Dumba of the Minnesota Wild. According to published reports it starts with a first round pick or no deal.
Of course, Francis could make small moves for future considerations as well. Prime example would be trading for the aforementioned Duncan Keith; and possibly sending a conditional pick in 2022 back. Just some food for thought as we near the expansion draft.
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