The Chicago Blackhawks have some salary cap space to worth with …
Jay Zawaski: A source has said that the Blackhawks have talked about Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner, but it’s not known as to the extent of those talks. The same source hadn’t heard the same about Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty.
Scott Powers of The Athletic: The Blackhawks freed up $4.65 million salary cap space after their trade with the Arizona Coyotes. They could create even more space with another move or two.
Now believes they could go after a top-six forward and a top-four defenseman.
A source said last night that the Blackhawks have spoken with the Carolina Hurricanes about Jeff Skinner ($5.275 million) and Justin Faulk ($4.83 million), with the asking price for both at Nick Schmaltz and first-round pick.
The Blackhawks could also talk to the Canadiens about Max Pacioretty.
If he decides to play next season, Rick Nash could be an option.
James O’Brien of NBC Sports: Looking at some potential options for the Blackhawks will their new found salary cap space.
It wouldn’t be an easy to trade to put together, but former Blackhawk Artemi Panarin could be available.
The Canadiens appearing to be looking to move winger Max Pacioretty.
The Hurricanes could move one or both of Jeff Skinner and Justin Faulk.
Panarin, Pacioretty, and Skinner are all entering the final year of their deals.
The Blackhawks could fit Erik Karlsson‘s salary in for this season, but it would be difficult for an extension, nevermind having the future assets to send the Senators to acquire him.
Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks are at around $8.5 million in salary cap space with three/four roster spots to fill.
The bringing back of Marcus Kruger could mean they make center Artem Anisimov available, opening up another $4.55 million.
Justin Faulk would look good on their top pairing, and maybe they could create enough space to add Jeff Skinner as well.
Max Pacioretty is another option, or they could swing for the fences with Erik Karlsson.