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I'm chasing down the validity of a rumor this morning involving the Hawks and the Montreal Canadiens, first reported yesterday by Eklund.

Independently, I have heard of discussions between the two teams going back a number of weeks, and specifically involving Patrick Kane. I would classify these as more vague rumors, coming from sources I don't know that well.

Last night, a friend tipped me on a rumored proposal that would have the Hawks sending Kane and Niklas Hjalmarsson to the Habs for Tomas Plekanec and PK Subban. And the Hawks are allegedly holding out for the Canadiens to add a high draft pick or two.

When I pressed him for more details and back story, it turned out this allegedly has as its source a fairly highly placed person in the Canadiens' organization. I am presently checking with some Hawk sources on this.

But there are some dots that would seem to connect here. Underlying the Montreal rumors I have heard has been a strong desire on the part of new Montreal GM Marc Bergevin to obtain Kane.

Also, Subban fits the Hawks blueline needs like a glove—arguably better than Ryan Suter because of Subban's power play skill and right handed shot.

Plekanec obviously slips perfectly into the second line center role, where he could be a very nice complement to Marian Hossa.

Montreal gets a creative, highlight reel offensive player in Kane and a solid second pairing d-man with some unfulfilled offensive upside in Hjalmarsson.

In my opinion, if valid, this is an example of a deal where the Hawks would be stupid not to to at least consider dealing Kane—whether you think they 'should' or should not' in the absence of an actual deal on the table.

And if Bergevin's interest in Kane is as legitimate as I hear, then there could be something to this story after all.

On the "non-rumor" front, much has also been made of a rumored Hjalmarsson for Sam Gagner swap. A source close to the Oilers told me last night, however, that Gagner is "not in play."

And it's sounding more and more like Roberto Luongo is, in fact, headed to Florida. Interesting link posted by my friend Bob Klem on a potential backup to Cory Schneider in vancouver. Read all the way through to the last couple of paragraphs.

http://ingoalmag.com/news/cristobal-huet-forgotten-by-nhl-but-ready-for-a-comeback/


All for now,


JJ

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