The Chicago Blackhawks are building from within and staying patient
Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times: With the salary cap increasing, it becomes more difficult to land free agents as many re-sign. It hasn’t made trading any easier either. Building a competitor with lots of outside moves could be a thing of the past.
Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson on having to build from within and his plans for the future.
”It just feels like you have to do it yourself more and more. That has always been our philosophy. That was going to be the basis of how we build this thing. We stick to that, and if something comes up along the way, we will investigate it.
”But it just doesn’t feel like there’s going to be the ability to trade or fight your way into battle. It just doesn’t feel like that’s the environment we’re in. I don’t want to say it benefits us, but I’m glad we did what we did. . . . The depth and strength of our prospect pool will serve us very well in this environment.”
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The Blackhawks do have a future to work with, but Davidson wants to remain patient. They will ensure that some of the young people can continue to develop, because they have invested a lot of time and effort in them. They let them run and then see where they stand.
“What we learn over the next two years will determine where this group goes and what we need to add.”
Playing matchmaker for some of the most important trading targets
Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston of The Athletic – Part 2: We continue to look at some trade candidates and potential destinations.
Jonathan Marchessault – Nashville Predators RW – Three years left at $5.5 million could keep acquisition costs down, which could be right up the Toronto Maple Leafs’ alley, according to LeBrun. The Leafs are already aging, but they don’t have much to work with. Johnston wonders about the Montreal Canadiens, who might need to send Patrik Laine and his $8.7 million the other way. Marchessault and Canadiens fans might like this addition.
Connor Murphy – Chicago Blackhawks RHD – Could be a nice addition to the third pairing for the Florida Panthers, according to LeBrun. Would need some salary maintenance. According to Johston, it would be a cheaper option for the Vegas Golden Knights than Rasmus Andersson.
Yegor Chinakhov – Columbus Blue Jackets LW – The Blue Jackets can now make a draft pick, and LeBrun notes that the San Jose Sharks have two second-round picks (SJ and COL). Johnston notes that Buffalo Sabers GM Jarmo Kekalainen has 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 already knows Tristan Jarry and would be a good locker room guy.
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