I received a fairly sizable download this morning on some players the Hawks have some early interest in going into free agency. From position to position, there are some dots that connect as far as filling holes on the Hawk roster. And no, at present, John Tavares is not one of the targets.
BIGGER NAMES
James van Riemsdyk (as rumored elsewhere) is on the Hawks’ list, as well as, to some surprise, Vegas winger James Neal. I reported last summer that Neal was on the Hawks’ radar,, when some of the interwebz armchair GMs expressed great revulsion at the thought of him in the Indianhead. For what it’s worth, I was told specifically this morning, the likelihood of the Hawks acquiring Neal is slim.
Neither of these players would come cheap—and clearly, Chicago’s interest seems to reflect a desire to add size/skill to the top 6.
It would seem the Hawks would absolutely need to find a taker for Marian Hossa’s cap hit to make either of these moves happen, and I was told they are still hoping to package the rights to Anthony Duclair in order to sweeten the deal for a floor team.
CENTER
Tyler Bozak is on the Hawks radar. With good speed and 2-way ability, Bozak is also strong on faceoffs, making him a nice (and needed) add to the Hawks’ 2nd or 3rd center role.
And, i was also told the Hawks are listening “to feelers” on Artem Anisimov.
DEFENSE
Two names I heard were Greg Pateryn and John Moore. Both bring size and solid play in their own end—again needed complements to what the Hawks presently have. Like Neal, these two players are names I have reported in the past as being on the Hawks’ radar. Moore was a trade target last summer, Pateryn, when he was with Montreal.
GOALIE
Apparently the Hawks have an interest in Carter Hiutton, at minimum.
These are just a few names I heard—it’s safe to assume the list at each position is perhaps a bit longer. But more broadly, it appears the Hawks, in addition to shedding 1-2 larger contracts (Hossa, Anisimov), are looking to potentially add one or more of the following:
- size and skill at left wing
- size and defensive zone responsibility on defense
- a backup or “1B” goalie
- a middle line center
Much can change between now and UFA day—including dollar figures attached to Tavares, which I’m told will “set the market” for much of the early period of free agency. But this appears to be where the team is at today.
More as I hear it. Follow @jaeckel. Comment below.
2 comments on “Blackhawk UFA targets and other news”
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Hoped they would entertain Bozak. Of course it depends on term for a 32 yr old. IMO he’s a better fit than JVR in that he can play 2C moving Schmaltz to wing, should be cheaper with less term. IMO that’s proper slotting. The Hawks have a top 4 right now, not a top 6 and add a Bozak and you have a top 5.
Never hear De Haan’s name come up. IIRC he’s 27 yrs old, a left shot and he’s a top 4 guy. This is a guy I wouldn’t mind giving term to.
JJ,
How about some guys from this list:
C – Brodziak, Riley Nash, Filppula, Winnik
W: Roussel, Maroon
D: Sustr
All UFAs at currently reasonable cap hits. Seems to me there is tread on the tires for this group that can fill the right holes a lot cheaper and with less term than putting all of the eggs in the JVR/Faulk basket.