The Chicago Blackhawks currently have an approximate $5.6Million in cap space. What Stan Bowman, the Blackhawks GM, will do with it is really anyone’s guess, but many believe that the Blackhawks will go out and get a defenseman. Here is a look at how to find the most likely trade candidate and who those players may be.
Anything can happen when two (or more) teams get together to complete a trade, but here are some common guidelines to look for, especially with the Blackhawks…
1. The players’ contract. If the player is an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) at the end of the year, they are more likely to be traded by their team. Players with large contracts with a lot of money on them are less likely to be traded, but obviously it does happen for various reasons (see Brian Campbell).
2. The standings. Where does the team sit in the standings? If they are a playoff bound team or fighting for position, they most likely won’t be looking to deal a serviceable defenseman.
3. The type of player. The Blackhawks seem to need a stay at home defenseman who will throw his weight around and that can assist on the penalty kill. The top 4 seems pretty set, so you would want to look at guys who would fit well in the #5/6 spot for the Blackhawks.
The candidates in no particular order…
1. Francois Beauchemin – Cap hit of $3.500M
– UFA at year’s end
– On the Anaheim Ducks who are 14th in the West
– Has 60 hits in 27 games and 5:19 a game on the PK
2. Scott Hannan – Cap hit of $1.000M
– UFA at year’s end
– On the Calgary Flames who are 13th in the West
– A smart Dman who plays 2:57 a game on the PK
3. Tim Gleason – Cap hit of $2.750M
– UFA at year’s end
– On the Carolina Hurrances who are 15th in the East
– 48 hits in 30 games and 2:57 a game on the PK
4. Milan Jurcina – Cap hit of $1.600M
– UFA at year’s end
– On the New York Islanders who are 14th in the East
– 36 hits in 16 games and 1:42 a game on the PK
5. Steve Staios – Cap hit of $.800M
– UFA at year’s end
– On the New York Islanders who are 14th in the East
– A smart Dman who plays 2:07 a game on the PK
So, the question is…who would you want on the Blackhawks and what would you give up to acquire them? Are there players out there that you think fit better? Will it possibly be Johnny Oduya, Shane O’Brien, Andy Sutton, or someone completely off the radar?
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