|
And The Hawks' New Defenseman Is . . . |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me @jaeckel
Wish I could tell you right now who it is. Until a deal goes down, I can't. But, I would bet one or two of the following names will be a Hawk within the next 26 days.
Most of these names you've heard here recently, a few you haven't. They’re big. They’re bad. They’re UFAs on July 1.
1) Andy Sutton, Edmonton
Sutton is 6’7”, nasty and not a bad skater for his size. He has been known to take a bad penalty and some feel he is another suspension waiting to happen. The Hawks, I’m told, were close as recently as a few days ago on a deal for the 36 year old blueliner.
2) John Erskine, Washington
Another big bruiser who skates reasonably well, the 6’4”, 235 lb. Erskine plays a simple, mistake free game. Rumor has it the Hawks came close on a deal for him as recently as ten days ago. I was told yesterday that these talks could re-open if they haven’t already.
3) Scott Hannan, Calgary
I’ve heard nothing specific about Hannan from my sources, although others have mentioned him. The Hawks have dealt with Calgary recently and the veteran blueliner checks a lot of boxes the Hawks are looking for, good size, stay at home instincts, ability to deliver big minutes.
4) Bryan Allen, Carolina
If Carolina’s demand in return for Allen were no object this steady shot blocker would likely be at the top of the Hawks’ list. As it is, he is unlikely to join the Hawks because Canes’ GM Jim Rutherford is rumored to be asking a lot.
5) Brett Clark, Tampa
Clark does two things well that appeal to the Hawks: he blocks shots and skates well. Like all the other candidates, he is on an expiring contract.
6) Hal Gill, Montreal
Gill is huge and has serious Stanley Cup bona fides. One drawback is a plodding lack of mobility. One plus is he blocks a ton of shots.
Longshots:
(I have not heard a peep about any of these names being linked to the Hawks, but . . .)
Niklas Grossman, Dallas (high on many lists, yet Dallas is one point out of the playoffs)
Greg Zanon, Minnesota (Minnesota is presently in the playoffs)
Johnny Oduya, Winnipeg (skilled defensive defenseman but might be in Winnipeg’s longer term plans)
Shane O’Brien, Colorado (tough to play against, a bit of a wildcard in terms of taking bad penalties)
Cory Sarich, Calgary (once a feared rearguard, legitimate questions exist as to how much—if any— tread remains on his tires. Ditto NYI's Steve Staios)
Bryce Salvador, NJ (checks a lot of boxes, but the Devils have crept back into playoff contention—Hawks were also very interested in Devils forward David Clarkson earlier this year)
Mark Eaton, NYI (shot blocker who can pass the puck, have heard vague rumors of the Hawks scouting the Isle recently)
LATEST:
Unsubstantiated (and heck, this is Joel Quenneville's Blackhawks we're talking about) rumor has it both Bryan Bickell and Michal Frolik are scratches tonight in Edmonton, throwing fuel on the fire of impending trades. Both players have allegedly been offered by the Hawks in recent trade discussions.
Sutton is supposedly in the lineup tonight for the Oilers.
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»