In light of the Jeff Skinner trade yesterday, it looks like trades can still happen. Where you at, Stan?
It's August 3rd and historically, there aren't many trades in this window as most teams have settled into their rosters after the NHL draft and NHL Free Agency.
Using last year as an example, there wasn't a single trade from July 4th to September 17th:
JULY 4: Carolina Hurricanes acquire forward Marcus Kruger from Vegas Golden Knights for 2018 fifth-round pick
SEPTEMBER 17: Arizona Coyotes acquired defenseman Jason Demers from the Florida Panthers for forward Jamie McGinn
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Looking at that gap from 2017, a quality player like Skinner getting moved in August is a bit of an outlier.
So for fun (and fun only!), here are 3 "what if" trades that I've made up in my brain based on what I think the Hawks need and what that would mean for the Hawks lineup heading into training camp:
"What If" Trade #1
CHI acquires Justin Faulk and Lucas Wallmark from CAR for Artem Anisimov, Dylan Sikura and a 2nd round pick in 2020.
Ahhh, the Justin Faulk trade we've been holding our breath on (for better or for worse depending on your thoughts on Faulk) for the entire offseason.
By acquiring Faulk, the Hawks find an immediate partner for Keith and a defender that eats a lot of minutes and can be really effective on the PP. How he is in the defensive zone is a little up-and-down but it's a risk the Hawks would be willing to take (especially if he's playing with Keith).
By snagging Lucas Wallmark the Hawks solidify some centre depth for the future. The 22-year old Swede is a former 4th round pick in 2014 and is coming off a really strong season in the AHL with 55 points in 44 games.
Here's what Elite Prospects has to say about him:
"Wallmark has first-class hockey sense and vision. Very smart player and a highly skilled playmaker. Has good puck control and will also battle hard for the puck. Good defensive game and face-off skills. One concern is his skating ability, as he lacks some speed and acceleration." (EP, 2013)
The Hawks shed the Artem Anisimov contract, which it's been rumoured they have been attempted to do.
Unfortunately, Dylan Sikura is needed (along with that 2nd rounder in 2020) to get this deal done.
With AA moving in this deal, the Hawks would need to make a subsequent move to bring in another C or feel really confident that Wallmark can be a 3rd line pivot on this team this year.
Also, the Hawks would have a plethora of RHD with the addition of Faulk to look to Bowman to move someone like Connor Murphy or Jan Rutta in this case with Henri Jokiharju starting the year in the AHL.
"What If" Trade #2
CHI acquires Nick Bjugstad and Mark Pysyk from FLA for Connor Murphy, Gustav Forsling and Alexandre Fortin
Another area the Hawks have been zoned in on it finding a top-6 winger (preferably to play with Patrick Kane and Nick Schmaltz). They find that with big 6'6 Nick Bjugstad.
Bjugstad had a nice bounce back year last year with 19 goals after posting just 7 the year prior.
He's a right-handed shot and can play any forward position (Coach Q loves his versatility).
In Mark Pysyk, the Hawks would be getting a lunch-pail type player that has top-4 shutdown capabilities from the right-side if need be. He would be a #5-6 on a really good team, but alongside Keith, he could be a nice grab at only 2.7M over the next 2 years.
This move would (potentially) shore up the need for a winger for Mr. Kane and a partner in the top-4 for Mr. Keith.
With this deal, the Panthers open up almost 3M in additional cap space bringing them to 5M+, which in this fantasy trade scenario, is then used for Max Pacioretty.
Pacioretty has been rumoured to wanting to go to Florida, however, a move like this would be needed (or a lot of money heading back to MTL in a move, which is possible as well, just not as fun for the purpose of this blog).
The Panthers would be acquiring Connor Murphy to play with a partner like Keith Yandle or Michael Matheson in their top-4.
Dale Tallon also dips into the Hawks depth/prospect pool to snag currently injured Gustav Forsling, who he knows has top-4 potential. He also loves the raw skill of Alexandre Fortin and gets him included in this deal.
"What If" Trade #3
CHI acquires Josh Anderson and Kevin Stenlund from CLB for Dylan Sikura and Erik Gustafsson
Josh Anderson followed up his 17-goal performance in his rookie campaign with a 19-goal year in 2017-18.
His negotiations last summer with Columbus almost ended in a mess. He missed training camp as he held out for more money and ultimately signed on October 3rd for 1.8M through until 2020.
Let's say there is still trouble in paradise and the Hawks are able to convince Jarmo Kekalainen to move the 6'3/220 lbs winger to Chicago, he would fit in very nicely in the Windy City in the top-6.
It does cost the Hawks here as they give up Dylan Sikura (trust me, I don't want to move Dylan, but he's the most likely moveable piece due to his value – skill and price wise) and Erik Gustafsson. The latter is someone Kekalainen sees as a nice, cheap option with some upside.
The Hawks also ask for 6'4 Swede, Kevin Stenlund in the deal. He's in the same mold as a Victor Ejdsell, big, smart and versatile (can play C or W).
The 21-year old has impressively been playing in the SHL for 4 years already. Here's what Elite Prospects has to say about him:
"An intelligent, big-bodied center with superb puckhandling ability. His greatest asset is his mature mindset: he thinks the game at a high level. Plays a simplified, complete game and doesn't make low-percentage plays. Uses his edges well at a level that suits his style of play - physical and hard to play against; that being said, there is still room for improvement in his skating and first three strides. Protects the puck well." (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)
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I will say this again; these trades are just for fun and not based on anything I'm hearing specifically on players. I tried to make them as realistic as possible with the players and teams involved.
There have been a lot of fantasy trades tossed out there on the messages boards so wanted to pump out this light blog on a Friday of a long weekend.
Let me see your "What If" trades on the boards.
See ya out there!
JL
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Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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