Chicago Blackhawks Trade Scenarios: 5 Offseason Targets That Would Make Sense

The Chicago Blackhawks seem to be finished with the bulk of their offseason revamping of the roster. GM Stan Bowman is apparently going to retain the cap space needed to address the one major need remaining in the Blackhawks' lineup.

The Hawks sure could use a top-six forward, specifically at center.

As much as I fully expect either Patrick Sharp or Dave Bolland to log most of the minutes in the middle of the second line, the acquisition of a solid player for that spot changes the lineup for the better.

Sharp moves back out to the wing, where he can make the best use of his sniping abilities. Bolland can move to the third line where he will be more effective.

With talent up the middle like Marcus Kruger and Brandon Pirri on the way in the near future, Bowman may be thinking of a short-term solution. That may be someone who could come in at the trade deadline or before to fortify another run at the Stanley Cup.

Bowman seems committed to adding to the roster mid-season, but here are five players who could fit in Chicago whenever he decides to make a deal.

Tuomo Ruutu, Carolina Hurricanes

Bowman loves versatile players, and Ruutu is capable of lining up at any forward position. His $3.8 million cap hit could be absorbed, especially if this move is made later in the season.

The Hurricanes gave up Andrew Ladd in 2008 for Ruutu, who spent parts of three seasons in Chicago. This past season was his first in which he played all 82 games. He becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season so the commitment is just for this year.

Ruutu, now 28, would add to the more rugged style of play the Hawks have looked for this summer. He is coming off of his best season, with 19 goals and 38 assists.

Mikhail Grabovski, Toronto Maple Leafs

The 27-year-old Grabovski is a playmaker who the Hawks could use. He has one year left on his contract with a $2.9 million cap hit.

Grabovski isn't a really big center and is more an offensive threat, but was a plus-14 in Toronto last season on the way to 29 goals and 29 assists.

With Bolland handling the tough defensive assignments, Grabovski could help light it up on the second line.

Olli Jokinen, Calgary Flames

Jokinen is an unrestricted free agent after next season and is making around $3 million this season. The 32-year-old has good size and can score. He's a pretty good two-way player when he wants to be.

Jokinen does have a no movement clause in his contract. If the Flames struggle next season, would he be willing to waive the clause to pursue a cup in Chicago?

Stephen Weiss, Florida Panthers

At 28, Weiss has two seasons left on his current deal at a cap hit of $3.1 million. He has a no movement clause as well, so he would have to accept any deal to Chicago.

Weiss' numbers were down compared to the previous two seasons, but he remains a solid two-way player who can raise the games of those around him. He lacks size, but the Hawks could use a player of his skill set.

Rich Peverley, Boston Bruins

What would be wrong with another player in Chicago with a cup on his resume?

Peverley won nearly 56 percent of his faceoffs in Atlanta and Boston. He also adds versatility in that he can line up at any forward position.

At a very reasonable cap hit of $1.325 million, the 29-year-old Peverley would be a solid one-year option who could be re-signed at a reasonable rate if it works out in town.