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Over the last 24 hours or so, it’s become more and more evident to me that the Blackhawks are having lots of discussions with lots of teams. No surprises there.
I will tell you what I have heard over the last few weeks (and the last few days, and the last few hours) and place a rating from 1-10 on the validity of the rumor— as well as a rating as to the likelihood of a deal, if the rumor is valid.
One thing to remember—and it kind of amazes me how quickly this is forgotten— valid rumors start for any of a variety of reasons. But one should not always construe a rumor as indicating the Hawks have a strong desire—or don’t have one— for a specific player. Sometimes, the other team is the initiator, and the Hawks may merely show some mild interest.
New rumors are in bold.
Jeff Carter
Validity (from 1-10): 8.5
Likelihood: 25%
I am reading persistent statements in the media that L.A., Toronto and Montreal are the real frontrunners in this. AND I just heard Columbus might be announcing a significant trade tonight.
So this could all be moot, or very interesting within the next couple of hours.
Carter was apparently offered to the Hawks by Columbus GM Scott Howson in the last couple of days.
This leads you to one (or both) of two conclusions: Howson is not thrilled with other offers he’s getting for his #1 center, or he has some specific targets on the Hawks. I have solid information that the Hawks and Howson have discussed numerous players over the last few weeks. I believe the Hawks are at least interested in Carter.
I heard from a former pro player this morning who is close to this situation, and he echoed what I blogged about this yesterday: Carter, whether you think his game (or his contract) integrates perfectly with the Hawks, creates/adds to a matchup problem for other teams.
The other issue that he raised is that it is very likely that Vancouver and L.A. are in on Carter. So, like the Kyle Quincey situation, if the Hawks don’t deal for him, he could strengthen a rival and add to a matchup problem for the Hawks.
The playoffs, as you’ve heard me say before, are all about matchups.
While I’m sure the Hawks appreciate all the capologists out there worrying about Carter’s contract, I would leave it to them. And remember, just nine months ago, prior to trading Brian Campbell, the Hawks’ cap situation was worse than it would be with Carter—and that’s not counting the $3-4 million in salary the Hawks might end up sending to Columbus in this deal.
There are certainly valid arguments for not making this deal. But there is a very strong argument for doing so, and my information is the Hawks
will make an offer (or already have).
Mikhail Grabovski
Validity: 5
Likelihood: 15%
I heard about this just this morning. As many of you know, I have suggested the Hawks might want to go after the dynamic Belarussian center, especially as it’s been rumored Brian Burke is dangling him. I heard this from a new source (in Chicago) and I can’t verify how strong it is. But, the source did provide some interesting background; the asking price is allegedly a player, a pick and a prospect. The source believed the player could be Bryan Bickell, a good prospect (though perhaps not a top prospect), and that while the Hawks had offered a second round pick, it might take a 1st to get a deal done— if Toronto is serious about moving him. The source alleges specific conversations have taken place with the Leafs.
Derek Roy
Validity: 5.5
Likeihood: 20%
Same source. This source also says the Hawks might “default” to Paul Gaustad if this or other deals fall through.
Lubomir Visnovsky
Validity: 4.5
Likelihood: 20%
Visnovsky is like Carter. He checks a couple of boxes but also has a big contract with term past this year. He is a terrific power play QB and would help the Hawks immensely there, while also adding depth and experience for the playoffs.
Allegedly, the Hawks are as hot for Visnovsky as they supposedly are for Lydman, and they can’t afford both (in all likelihood). Also, I am hearing this afternoon, the Ducks are quite serious about making the playoffs, and don’t want to deal Lydman. So why then Visnovsky?
Toni Lydman
Validity: 7
Likelihood: 25%
This was broken by Al Cimaglia. Al doesn’t go out with rumors quite as freely as I do, and I trust his integrity completely. It sounds as though while Lydman is not being shopped, the Hawks have a specific, strong interest in him.
Teddy Purcell
Validity: 8
Likelihood: 10%
This comes from a great source, the Hawks have had conversations with Steve Yzerman about this solid, young winger in the past, and recently.
Nate Thompson
Validity: 8
Likelihood: 10%
Same story as Purcell.
Brett Clark
Validity: 9
Likelihood: 20-25%
Have heard about Hawk interest in Clark from multiple trustworthy sources. He could be a fallback if other defense targets come up empty.
Theo Peckham
Validity: 8.5
Likelihood: 15%
Hawks have interest in Peckham as a depth defenseman/physical presence for the playoffs, and he could have some longer term upside.
Andy Sutton
Validity: 9.5
Likelihood: 5%
Hawk interest in him has been confirmed now by multiple sources. However, it is likely Edmonton will keep him.
Johnny Oduya
Validity: 6
Likelihood: 15-20%
Lots of smoke surrounding the Hawks and Winnipeg though my sources have given me no specific names. Stan Bowman was rumored to have scouted the Jets personally last week. Oduya makes the most sense and Winnipeg media have speculated he is on the Hawks’ radar.
Tomas Vokoun
Validity: 4
Likelihood: 5%
A new source tells me Washington may be trying to unload Vokoun and the Hawks might have some interest in him as a backup. This one is dubious at best.
Shane O’Brien
Validity: 8
Likelihood: 10%
Daniel Winnik
Validity: 8
Likelihood: 10%
Other names I have heard about earlier this year who could still be on the Hawks’ radar:
David Clarkson
John Erskine
Jeff Halpern
Derek Dorsett
Derrick Brassard
While rumors are out there about the Hawks talking to Dallas about
Adam Burish, I have not heard this specifically. Doesn't mean it isn't happening.
I have heard there is no validity to the rumors of the Hawks having interest in either
Mike Ribeiro or
Nikolai Khabibulin.
More as it breaks.
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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