- Mark Spector: With Patrick Kane going on the LTIR, the Blackhawks have the equivalent of $7.5 million in cap space at the dealdine.
- Kevin Allen of USA Today: Eight forward targets for the Blackhawks to replace Patrick Kane.
1. Antoine Vermette – issue is the Coyotes are looking for a big return.
2.Jiri Tlusty3. Jaromir Jagr – the Blackhawks are a speed team and Jagr is not a speed guy. He has a $3.5 million cap hit.
4. Michael Ryder – five-time 20-goal scorer witha $3.5 million cap hit.
5. Curtis Glencross – injuries always a concern. Has a $2.55 million cap hit.
6. Chris Stewart – former 30-goal scorer with a $4.1 million cap hit.
7.Daniel Winnik
8. Tomas Fleischmann – seven goals this year with a $4.5 million cap hit.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune has mentioned Curtis Glencross as an option for the Blackhawks. On Glencross
“He’s an up-and-down guy. A great net-front presence,” said one NHL coach of what Glencross brings to the table. “He plays a physical game. He’s a big body and a good skater. He moves.”
He lacks playoff experience, zero goals in six playoff games. The extra cap space with Kane on the LTIR could allow them to pursue Chris Stewart as well. There is talk that it would take a draft pick and a prospect, but one source said it may only take a B-plus prospect according to one negotiation. The Blackhawks are deep in prospects. Jaromir Jagr could be another option. Antoine Vermette is an option at a higher price. The Sabres and Flames have lots of cap space and have shown a willingness to take on salary for extra assets.
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: The first option to replace Kane will go to Teuvo Teravainen. Teravainen can also play center and take over for Brad Richards or Andrew Shaw if need be. He’s likely to start on the wing with Shaw and Bryan Bickel.GM Stan Bowman will likely only be looking at rentals due to their cap situation for next season and beyond.Options include: Antoine Vermette,
Jiri Tlusty, Chris Stewart,Daniel Winnikand Jaromir Jagr. Options on the blue:Andrej Sekera, Jeff Petry, Zbynek Michalek and Marek Zidlicky.
- Tracey Myers of CSN Chicago: The Blackhawks have been looking like they need to add a defenseman with Johnny Oduya out for a few weeks. Antoine Vermette would be a great fit up front. Jaromir Jagr has enough game left that he could help them. They need to be careful as to how much they want to offer up – “there’s a fine line between a bold move and an overboard one.”