The Blackhawks didn’t have the best weekend, did they?
They had two YYUUUGE games vs. Central foes – Colorado and Dallas – and failed to come out with a single point.
Here’s the look at the current standings:
The playoff scene isn’t looking too promising for the Hawks. They also don’t play until Wednesday, so they will have to anxiously sit at home and scoreboard watch.
The Hawks didn’t play terrible this weekend, but came up short in both games. I’m just not sure they have it in them to keep the magic going as the roster is currently structured.
Perfect segue into whether today; it’s TRADE DEADLINE DAY, Baby!
Now I got my excitement out of the way, I think there is a good chance I could end up disappointed if I’m hoping the Hawks actually do anything in terms of making this team better for the now and/or the future. I will temper my expectations.
It’s been quite on the Blackhawks front from my end and hasn’t been a lot of chatter out in the media either.
I mentioned last blog that the Hawks were struggling with the optics of this team after this nice winning streak they have been on. Well, a couple losses and the continuous climb to the postseason continues – maybe they feel better about selling off a couple players today.
The reality is that Stan doesn’t have much to move. My belief is, if Chicago shows up on the trade scene, it will be minor moves like a Marcus Kruger, John Hayden or Gustav Forsling.
I wouldn’t be surprised actually if a defenceman isn’t moved today.
The only way I feel a move of any significance is made it will be a hockey trade – like the Strome, Perlini for Schmaltz move.
The Hawks did make a minor league move yesterday by trading Matheson Iacopelli to the LA Kings for Spencer Watson. Both players spent time with their teams AHL and ECHL affiliates.
There have been a few rumours and whispers out there that I’m not sure have any legitimacy but a couple I’ve read on the world wide web include:
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Alexander Wennberg – the young Swede is underperforming in Columbus and could be had for the right deal it sounds like. He still has 4 more years remaining on a $4.9M AAV deal so the Hawks would really have to like him. To be honest, I would prefer a grittier 2-way centre in the 3C spot. Below is a look at who Wennberg is in a snapshot if you are unfamiliar (courtesy of Elite Prospects).
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John Hayden – sounds like his name has been floated out there and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him moved.
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Erik Gustafsson – reports are that the Hawks have no desire to move him at this point.
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Artem Anisimov – sure, the Hawks would love to rid themselves of Anisimov’s contract ($4.5M for 2 more years) but his modified-NTC handcuffs Bowman to make a move today. He could very well get moved if salary comes back (ie. Anisimov to CLB for Riley Nash), however, the more likely scenario is that the Hawks move him after July 1st when his NTC is fully removed.
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I will update as the day goes along in the main blog here with any trades and/or rumours.
See ya out there,
JL
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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