NHL Rumors: Chicago Blackhawks, and Matchmaker for Marchessault, Murphy, Chinakhov, and Fleury
The Chicago Blackhawks are building from within and staying patient
Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times: With the salary increase, it has become more difficult to bring in free agents, as many re-sign. It didn’t make trading any easier. Building a competitor with multiple external steps may be a thing of the past.
Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson about having to build inside and his plans going forward.
”It feels like more and more you have to do it yourself. That has always been our philosophy. That would be the core of how we build this thing. We’ll stick with that, and if something comes up along the way, we’ll explore that.
”But it doesn’t sound like there will be the ability to trade or enter the fray. It just doesn’t feel like that’s where we are. I don’t want to say it’s profitable for us, but I’m glad we did what we did. . . . The depth and strength of our pool of hope will help us greatly in this area.”
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The Blackhawks have a future to work with, but Davidson wants to remain patient. They will allow some of the youth to continue to develop, as they have invested a lot of time and effort in them. They will run after them and see where they are.
”What we learn in the next year or two is what will determine where this team is going and what we need to add.”
It plays a match in some of the top trading targets
Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston of The Athletic – Part 2: Continuing to look for potential tradespeople and locations.
Jonathan Marchessault – Nashville Predators RW – The remaining three years at $5.5 million could keep the buyout cost down, which might be right up the Toronto Maple Leafs’ alley, according to LeBrun. The Leafs are already big, but they don’t have much to work with. Johnston wonders about the Montreal Canadiens, who might have to send Patrik Laine and his $8.7 million in another move. Marchessault and Canadiens fans will love this addition.
Connor Murphy – Chicago Blackhawks RHD – Would be a great addition to the third pairing for the Florida Panthers, according to LeBrun. It will require maintenance of income. He would be a cheaper option for the Vegas Golden Knights than Rasmus Andersson, in Johston’s opinion.
Yegor Chinakhov – Columbus Blue Jackets LW – The Blue Jackets may have a draft pick now, and LeBrun notes that the San Jose Sharks have two second round picks (SJ and COL). Johnston notes that Buffalo Sabers GM Jarmo Kekalainen drafted Chinakhov.
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Marc-Andre Fleury – UFA not a trade candidate – LeBrun thinks Fleury could be insurance for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Johnston says the Edmonton Oilers need insurance. He is familiar with Tristan Jarry and would be a good locker room guy.
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