On the Chicago Blackhawks …
The Fourth Period: The Blackhawks need to shed some salary for next season.
30-year old defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson has two years left on his deal and is getting interest. Hjalmarsson has a no-movement clause and a 10-team trade list.
There have also been rumblings over the 32-year goaltender Corey Crawford‘s future. Crawford also has a no-movement clause and a 10-team trade list.
Jay Zawaski: (Host/columnist at 670 The Score Chicago) Texts from several sources last night saying there is a good chance that a core player is moved. Summarizing what was told last night.
– “Been told by multiple sources that “core” player will likely be deal soon
– It is NOT Toews
– It will weaken the team in the short term (meaning pure salary dump or trade for picks and/or prospects)
– There is no indication a a trade is coming
– Separately, Kruguer’s days in Chicago are almost 100% certainly over.”
On the Detroit Red Wings …
The Fourth Period: The Red Wings are evaluating the trade market ahead of the expansion draft.
“We have to decisions to make,” Red Wings GM Ken Holland told the Detroit News this week. “We’ll meet and give opinions (on who to protect, expose). We’ll go over our lists. We’ll see if there is a move to be made that could make our team better.”
Defenseman Niklas Kronwall and Jonathan Ericsson could be exposed for the expansion draft, and the same with forward Riley Sheahan.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were among the multiple teams that showed some interest in Sheahan during the season. It’s unclear if the Leafs and Wings have re-opened talks.
The Red Wings have to decide on which goalie to protect – Petr Mrazek or Jimmy Howard – and they could look to trade one.