On the Chicago Blackhawks …
- Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun Times: (mailbag) Lazerus thinks the Blackhawks need to add more depth upfront, preferably a left winger who could fit in their top-six. Lazerus thinks bringing back Kris Versteeg would be an intriguing option. If they can’t bring in a top-six, they still need to add in depth.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks play eight of their next 11 games this month at home, and their play will determine what they do at the trade deadline. If they remain in the playoff hunt, they could become buyers, but if they fall out of the playoff hunt, GM Jim Benning will likely move some players for draft picks and/or prospects. Dan Hamhuis is a pending free agent and could be moved, but he wouldn’t mind sticking around.
“We enjoy the community, it’s a first-class organization, and I really believe in this team. I like the direction we’re going, I like our young guys, it is something I would like to be part of, for sure.
“We’ll see how things go. You never know. We’ll see what their plans are.
“Maybe they want me, maybe they don’t.
Canucks that could be on the trade block and the chances they could be moved.
Radim Vrbata – the pending UFA could be moved for a draft pick or prospect. 75 percent chance he’s moved. He has a no-movement clause.
Dan Hamhuis – pending UFA with a 50 percent chance of being traded. He has a no-movement clause.
Brandon Prust – pending UFA could moved well before the trade deadline. A 100 percent chance he’s traded. If they are unable to find a trade partner, he could be put on waivers.
The Sedin’s and young guys like Bo Horvat, Jake Virtanen, Jared McCann and Ben Hutton are likely not available.
Players the Canucks could listen to offers on.
Yannick Weber – He’s also a pending UFA and not likely coming back. His playing time will be cut even more when Hamhuis returns.
Alex Burrows – His production has dropped off and he has one year left at $4.5 million.
Matt Bartkowski – Pending free agent and could be in the press box when Hamhuis returns.
Chris Higgins – Has another year left at $2.5 million.
Linden Vey – Unsure where he fits in when Henrik Sedin returns from injury. They gave up a second round pick to get him, so may they may not want to give up on him just yet.