NHL Trade Rumors: Has Chicago Blackhawks' GM Stan Bowman Shifted His Focus?

Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman resisted the urge to make a panic trade in the face of a nine-game losing streak. Now that the 'Hawks have begun a reversal of fortune, has Bowman rearranged his wish list?

The Blackhawks were looking to solidify the blue line, which has contributed to the second-worst goals allowed total in the Western Conference. Speculation also was cast upon the situation in the crease. It appeared that Bowman was in the market for a defenseman, although he hasn't yet found one that agrees with his pocketbook.

Bowman has passed on several defensemen, including Niklas Grossman when Dallas' asking price was allegedly prospect Brandon Saad. Hal Gill and Pavel Kubina have also gone to other contenders.

So far, the only moves made by Bowman were the addition of Brendan Morrison last month and Tuesday's move with Tampa Bay that sent minor league forward Brandon Segal to the organization for the AHL contract of Matt Fornataro as well as for future considerations.

The shuffling of AHL players is not going to fortify Chicago's roster. What Bowman has on his mind as the trade deadline approaches is open for speculation.

Is Bowman heartened enough with his club's recent defensive improvements to forgo adding a rental for the last two months? Dylan Olsen may have a lot to do with such thinking.

Despite being without Niklas Hjalmarsson and Steve Montador, the Blackhawks have been solid on the back end over the last week. Corey Crawford has also stepped up to strengthen the defense, which has allowed just five goals in the last four games.

For the second time in as many games, Chicago prevailed in a low-scoring affair with a Central Division rival. Tuesday's 2-1 win over Detroit saw the Blackhawks again fall behind early and battle back to pick up two points. After Marcus Kruger gave the 'Hawks the lead early in the third period, the defense tightened their belts and shut down a hot Red Wings squad for the remainder of the contest.

I like Olsen being paired with Duncan Keith as opposed to Nick Leddy when Keith and Brent Seabrook are split up. Olsen is a defensive-minded partner in the Seabrook mold who doesn't force Keith to work as hard to make up for Leddy's defensive lapses.

Sami Lepisto has come out of the basement of Joel Quenneville's doghouse and is starting to log double-digit minutes. Hjalmarsson skated in practice Tuesday and may be inching closer to a return.

In short, Crawford and the defense are picking it up. What does this mean in terms of a deal?

The possibility exists that Bowman is targeting a forward for additional depth in that area. He also could be talking himself out of making a deal at all.

The stockpiling of prospects in Rockford could suggest that Bowman values his draft selections more highly than what's currently on the trade market. Perhaps the young GM still lacks the connections or the comfort zone to make a high-profile trade.

On the other hand, moving Brian Campbell was supposed to clear cap room for a mid-season move. If one isn't made, it opens him up for some criticism. Bowman could wind up bringing in a player for the wrong reasons.

Bowman and the 'Hawks have kept pretty mum about developing deals. There are still several days in which a deal can be struck, however. Chicago's needs may or may not have changed in their General Manager's eyes. This leaves fans waiting to analyze any moves Bowman decides to make.