The Lightning are a very interesting trade partner.

The first name that comes to mind as a fit for a "gaping need" of the 'Hawks is Valtteri Filppula.

He scored 25 goals and had 60 points (20 PPP) while winning 52.3% of face-offs. He's 6'0" 195 lbs so he's not a small center either. He was blocked off in Detroit and had a good opportunity in Tampa and appeared to have capitalized on it. Give him Patrick Kane and Brandon Saad and let him reach another level.

A $5 mil cap hit for the next four years is affordable as well considering the market.

Nate Thompson (a player that the 'Hawks were interested in the past) is someone that makes sense for a bottom-six role given the fact that he can win face-offs, contribute on the PK and use his body as well. Very affordable cap hit as well.

If the hawks can get enough cap space... They may be a landing spot for spezza... That's a big if though
- Kunit

If they can clear space for spezza, then it would make way more sense to sign statsny, who is way better, younger and you would take him away from your division rival who before we know it will fly by the hawks.

Sweet, Stamkos for 2C....

Sharp & #1 for Stamkos
- scottak

As much as I would love to see this happen, it isn't going too happen...

JJ - any word if the Hawks have talked to the Isles about Nielsen?
- EKolb13

What do you think a fair deal for Nielsen would be? I think Sharp would have to be involved, not sure the Isles thoughts on him but would play nice with Tavares.

unless its nate thompson
- tampabaydoompatrol

Thompson, Malone and a 7th for Sharp?

No.
- EKolb13

YES

Spezza to the Hawks is shockingly doable. He has a cap hit of $7m and an actual salary of $4m. Murray would have no difficulty taking back 1/2 the cap hit and salary. So, he can take back salary (eg Sharp plus another player) that would result in a net cap saving of $6m for the Hawks.
- spatso

Would Sharp approve a trade to Sens?

I think they have anothe Luongo situation on their hands, hold onto him too long asking for a kings ransom, in the end they will get much less than some of the previous offers.
- DDM-Coga

Main difference is Kesler's 5mm for 2 years is very cap friendly for what you get. He will be dealt for slightly less that Van wants but certainly not a FLA style trade.

Would Sharp approve a trade to Sens?
- bwarner929

No.

thanks JJ!

The Lightning are a very interesting trade partner.

The first name that comes to mind as a fit for a "gaping need" of the 'Hawks is Valtteri Filppula.

He scored 25 goals and had 60 points (20 PPP) while winning 52.3% of face-offs. He's 6'0" 195 lbs so he's not a small center either. He was blocked off in Detroit and had a good opportunity in Tampa and appeared to have capitalized on it. Give him Patrick Kane and Brandon Saad and let him reach another level.

A $5 mil cap hit for the next four years is affordable as well considering the market.

Nate Thompson (a player that the 'Hawks were interested in the past) is someone that makes sense for a bottom-six role given the fact that he can win face-offs, contribute on the PK and use his body as well. Very affordable cap hit as well.
- TommyHawk

WHY IN THE WORLD????? would the bolts trade filp just after siging him last year and creating another hole at c?

If they can clear space for spezza, then it would make way more sense to sign statsny, who is way better, younger and you would take him away from your division rival who before we know it will fly by the hawks.
- Bhawks76

I don't think Statsny is way better than Spezza.

Thompson, Malone and a 7th for Sharp?

- TampaTalk

Malone is gonna get bought out I think

Why not? Now would be as good of a time as any to sell high on Johnny O.
- EKolb13

1. He's a top 4 d-man. They don't grow on trees.
2. He's only 32 and given his fitness habits, is still entering his prime
3. Chicago's win % since he arrived is well north of .600 according
to all the stats. The dude FITS this org like a glove.
4. Leddy is not and may never be a top 4 d-man.

THAT'S WHY

The Lightning are a very interesting trade partner.

The first name that comes to mind as a fit for a "gaping need" of the 'Hawks is Valtteri Filppula.

He scored 25 goals and had 60 points (20 PPP) while winning 52.3% of face-offs. He's 6'0" 195 lbs so he's not a small center either. He was blocked off in Detroit and had a good opportunity in Tampa and appeared to have capitalized on it. Give him Patrick Kane and Brandon Saad and let him reach another level.

A $5 mil cap hit for the next four years is affordable as well considering the market.

Nate Thompson (a player that the 'Hawks were interested in the past) is someone that makes sense for a bottom-six role given the fact that he can win face-offs, contribute on the PK and use his body as well. Very affordable cap hit as well.
- TommyHawk

I don't think that we will trade away Filppula, maybe for someone like Sharp and ain't going to happen!

Thompson is one of few big guys on our team and SY knows that!

Would Sharp approve a trade to Sens?
- bwarner929

Sharp will not be happy going to any team other than a contender.

1. He's a top 4 d-man. They don't grow on trees.
2. He's only 32 and given his fitness habits, is still entering his prime
3. Chicago's win % since he arrived is well north of .600 according
to all the stats. The dude FITS this org like a glove.
4. Leddy is not and may never be a top 4 d-man.

THAT'S WHY

- philco28

Right (frank)ing on, Brother!

I don't think that we will trade away Filppula, maybe for someone like Sharp and ain't going to happen!

Thompson is one of few big guys on our team and SY knows that!
- TampaTalk

I think Thompson could be in play,, but flip I just don't see it

WHY IN THE WORLD????? would the bolts trade filp just after siging him last year and creating another hole at c?
- tampabaydoompatrol

I don't know. I'm just spit-balling ideas.

No one else on the Lightning is capable of filling the 2C role on the Blackhawks (their obvious gaping need). The Lightning have some nice kids that they can call diamonds in the rough (i.e Palat) but the 'bolts are obviously not keen about moving any of those players.

Unless the team is talking to TB about a bottom-six center that allows the Krug to take the 3C role full-time, then I just don't see anyone else on the roster that fills a [gaping] need of the 'Hawks.

Malone is gonna get bought out I think
- tampabaydoompatrol

I do think so aswell but Who wouldn't want Malone on their roster?

Still think Plekanec will go to hawks.

Malone is gonna get bought out I think
- tampabaydoompatrol

I was thinking it would make more sense to play Malone too see if he could get back on track. If he can, that would be a real win for Yzerman, who could deal him for something at the trade deadline next season.

Right (frank)ing on, Brother!
- mohel

Word Mo

I do think so aswell but Who wouldn't want Malone on their roster?
- TampaTalk

TAMPA!