NHL Trade Rumors: Chicago Blackhawks Correct in Hanging on to Brandon Saad

The Chicago Blackhawks are in need of help in the defensive zone. GM Stan Bowman had the opportunity to bolster his blueline Thursday by picking up Niklas Grossman from the Dallas Stars. Bowman and the Blackhawks balked at a potential deal, however, and Grossman went east to Philadelphia.

Not pulling the trigger on a deal for Grossman, who goes to the Flyers for a second round pick this summer and a third-rounder in 2013, may raise questions about Bowman's trading acumen. However, in this case Bowman was right in nixing the proposed deal.

Why wouldn't Bowman part with draft picks? fans may wonder. According to sources, the Stars asking price was for a player Bowman had already drafted. Namely, 2011 second-round pick Brandon Saad.

I'm with Bowman on this one. Holding his ground in regards to Saad was the right move in this case.

Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com reported in his blog that a source familiar with the situation contends that the deal-breaker was Dallas insisting on receiving Saad in return for Grossman. If that report is accurate, it is impossible to compare Flyers GM Paul Holmgren's willingness to make a deal to Bowman's.

If Chicago could have obtained the big defenseman solely for picks, I'd expect Bowman to make a deal. Chicago gets a defensive-oriented skater on the back end who can play 15 to 20 minutes a night and contribute to the penalty kill. The short-term gain could justify the loss of a couple of picks.

In Saad, however, Bowman has a potential jewel who could easily have gone in the first round. Saad made the 'Hawks out of camp and was sent back to his junior team in Saginaw after two games with the club.

In 30 games with Saginaw, Saad has 21 goals and 33 assists. He was named captain of the Spirit one month ago today. His 1.86 points per game is surpassed in the OHL only by Sarnia's Nail Yukopov, whom many believe will be the No. 1 pick in the 2012 draft.

Let Dallas take picks and find their own diamond in the rough. Bowman's scouting department made good on nabbing Saad with the second of their second-round selections. Why let the Stars benefit from that?

Saad could very well be in the Indian head sweater at this time next season. Steve Montador and Niklas Hjalmarsson are still missing from the Chicago lineup, but the defensive efforts have improved.

This was evidenced by the 'Hawks 4-2 win over New York to snap a nine-game winless streak. Dylan Olsen, and to a lesser extent Sami Lepisto, have filled in capably for the time being. Bowman should not be goaded into a panic trade at this point.

Pavel Kubina sat our Tampa Bay's game Thursday and looks to be marked for a trade. Bowman might make a play on the Lightning defenseman this weekend if not before. When it comes to obtaining a player for the season's last two or three months, however, it looks likely that Saad will not be in the cards for any potential trade partners.