The Chicago Blackhawks are building from within and remaining patient
Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times: With the increasing salary cap, its made it more difficult to bring in free agents, as many are re-signing. It also hasn’t made trading easier. Building a contender with lots of outside moves may be a thing of the past.
Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson on having to build from within and his plans going forward.
‘‘It just feels like more and more you have to do it yourself. That’s always been our philosophy. That was going to be the bedrock of how we build this thing. We’ll stick to that, and then if something comes up along the way, we’ll explore that.
‘‘But it just doesn’t feel like there’s going to be the ability to trade or sign your way into contention. It just doesn’t feel like that’s the environment we’re in. I don’t want to say advantageous to us, but I’m glad we did what we did. . . . The depth and strength of our prospect pool is going to serve us very well in this environment.’’
NHL Injuries: Sabres, Werenski, Stars, Panthers, Rangers, Senators, Leafs, Golden Knights, and More
The Blackhawks do have some futures to work with, but Davidson wants to remain patient. They’ll allow some of the youth to continue to develop, as they’ve invested a lot of time and effort in them. They’ll give them a run and then see where they’re at.
‘‘What we learn over the next year or two will determine where this group goes and what we need to add.’’
Playing matchmaker for some of the top trade targets
Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston of The Athletic – Part 2: Continuing to look at some trade candidates and potential destinations.
Jonathan Marchessault – Nashville Predators RW – Three years left at $5.5 million may keep the acquisition cost down, which could be up the Toronto Maple Leafs’ alley, according to LeBrun. The Leafs are already aging, but they don’t have a lot to work with. Johnston wonders about the Montreal Canadiens, who might have to send Patrik Laine and his $8.7 million the other way. Marchessault and Canadiens fans may like this addition.
Connor Murphy – Chicago Blackhawks RHD – Could be a nice third-pairing addition for the Florida Panthers, according to LeBrun. Would need some salary retention. It would be a cheaper option for the Vegas Golden Knights than Rasmus Andersson, in Johston’s opinion.
Yegor Chinakhov – Columbus Blue Jackets LW – The Blue Jackets may take a draft pick now, and LeBrun notes the San Jose Sharks have two second-round picks (SJ and COL). Johnston notes Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen drafted Chinakhov.
NHL Rumors: LA Kings, Nashville Predators, and Playing Matchmaker
Marc-Andre Fleury – UFA not a trade candidate – LeBrun thinks Fleury could be insurance for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Johnston says the Edmonton Oilers as they need insurance. He’s already familiar with Tristan Jarry and would be a good dressing room guy.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumor roundups and hot topics from around the league. We’re also posting some stuff on Instagram.
