The NHL’s annual trade deadline is fast approaching and some are expecting Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman to make another splash.
The Blackhawks are second in the Western Conference with 71 points, but are littered with flaws. The Hawks could use another top-six forward and could potentially afford to bolster their blue line.
The point is the Blackhawks might be inclined to make a major move like years past that could solidify their chances of winning the Western Conference.
But, TSN’s Bob McKenzie suggests Bowman might not go all out to land a marquee player at the deadline. He said on NBC Sports Network earlier in the week that Bowman isn’t going to part ways with the future to get a difference-making rental.
“Listen, if Stan Bowman can make a deal, he will make a deal,” McKenzie said. “But, he’s not giving up any of those kids we saw in the first period (of Wednesday’s game against Minnesota). Vincent Hinostroza, Ryan Hartman, Tanner Kero, Gustav Forsling on defense, Nick Schmaltz up front. He’s not touching those guys because he believes that is the transitional future for this team and that he’s been impressed with what they’ve brought so far.”
If this is true, it’s very sound thinking from Bowman. Yes, the Blackhawks have a core that can go up against anybody in the West. But, it’s the depth that has separated the Hawks apart from the pack in the past. Chicago doesn’t have that solidified depth on all four lines at the moment, but they’re building that this season.
Chicago’s title window is still open, but this has felt like more of a transitional year than others since 2010. All of the guys McKenzie mentioned above are getting their first crack at a full season in the NHL and possess plenty of upside.
Bowman’s intentions could be to land a rental. But, that pesky salary cap will surely rear its ugly head and could prevent any blockbuster trades.
“The other problem is, as much as he might want to do something, the salary cap prevents it,” McKenzie said. “It really boils down to that at the end of the day. Stan Bowman’s going to be looking at the rental market, but what can he get using draft picks or lower-level prospects that are not guys who are currently on the team.”
The Blackhawks have been a befuddling team to watch. They’re squarely in the middle when it comes to Corsi with a 50.2 percentage, they seem to have stretches where they’ve been simply dominated and they haven’t closed out games very well in the third period lately.
Yet, a weaker Western Conference plus some stellar goaltending early on has the Hawks in a position to certainly contend as constructed.
Maybe it’s best for Bowman to stand pat, or make a minor addition at the deadline. The Hawks can maintain some of their bright youngsters and a playoff run given the obvious flaws could be viewed as just gravy.
