On the Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche …
** Have not heard of Albritton before. Works for KMBC, Kansas City News. **
Steven Albritton: Hearing from a very good source that the Chicago Blackhawks are targeting Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene.
Adrian Dater: “Doesn’t make a ton of sense logically, but you never know.”
On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: The current Blackhawks roster isn’t deep enough to “truly contend” for the Cup this year. The Blackhawks need to restart rebuliding from within.
The $10.5 million per season cap hit for Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane has helped in costing them Brandon Saad, Teuvo Teravainen, Andrew Shaw and Nick Leddy over the past couple seasons as the salary cap has been stagnant.
Past trade deadline moves has cost them two 1st round picks, three 2nd round picks, a 3rd round pick and prospects Marko Dano, Phillip Danault and Klas Dahlbeck.
The Blackhawks should be cautious at this years trade deadline.
“There are years of post-season contention left, but Stanley Cup contention is a different animal. A team needs depth, not just high-end skill, and right now the cost of acquiring that depth wouldn’t be worth it.”
On the Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Avalanche and Philadelphia Flyers …
TSN Insider Trading: Darren Dreger: Pittsburgh Penguins goalie is understandably frustrated at being the backup. Matt Murray has started six straight games. The Penguins don’t want this to become a distraction. Everyone knows Fleury is available, but GM Jim Rutherford has to get something that matters in return.
Bob McKenzie: Another issue for the Penguins is injuries. Malkin’s injury cost him a game before the All-Star break, and it could linger beyond.
Dreger: Even though Matt Duchene said earlier this week that he’d be open to a move, it’s not a done deal. He hasn’t requested a trade. Over 10 teams have shown some interest in Duchene. The asking price his high, and GM Joe Sakic can wait until after the season and potentially get a better return.
McKenzie: Nothing new to report on the Philadelphia Flyers two pending free agent goalies. Both Steve Mason and Michal Neuvirth have been inconsistent and there has been no negotiations with either. The Flyers know there could be many goalies available this offseason.