The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, but some might be surprised about the latest report regarding what the Chicago Blackhawks might be looking for.
According to The Athletic's Scott Powers, the Blackhawks are searching around for a veteran defenseman to add at the deadline. This might come as a surprise to some, as it was expected the Hawks could go out and pursue a winger to provide depth to a thin forward corps. A reunion with Patrick Sharp was even mentioned.
A source told Powers that the Hawks will be looking for help on the blue line, also.
“They’re looking for a forward and veteran defenseman, ” the source told Powers. “They need help back there.”
The Blackhawks will most likely only get to address one position effectively at the deadline. They currently have only $3.34 million in cap space at the moment, per Cap Friendly. Chicago's depth woes have been well documented and the bulk of Chicago's scoring production has come from a small group of players. General manager Stan Bowman also might opt to try and find a linemate to ignite Jonathan Toews a la last year's Andrew Ladd trade.
The fact that Chicago is even looking for help on the blue line is concerning, to say the least. This past offseason, the Hawks added Brian Campbell, Michal Kempny and Gustav Forsling to help solidify their putrid defensive depth. Those moves haven't panned out as well as many had expected and the Blackhawks are mediocre in both goals against and shots against per game categories.
It's uncertain at the moment who the Blackhawks could pursue in a potential trade, but one name mentioned by Powers was Arizona Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone. The 26-year-old defender has seven assists and a -9 rating in 33 games with the Coyotes this season.
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