NHL Trade Rumors: Andy Sutton Would Add Toughness and Depth to Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have been lacking toughness since the departure of Dustin Byfuglien, but they could be taking steps to remedy that. Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald tweeted this:

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Hearing #Blackhawks might be zeroing in on Oilers' defenseman Andy Sutton. And that they have talked to Dallas about Burish.

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"— Tim Sassone(@TimSassone) February 8, 2012"

Both Adam Burish and Andy Sutton would help add depth, but Sutton's size and defensive presence is an element the Hawks are missing.

Sutton is a 6'6", 245-pound 36-year-old veteran defenseman with 12 years of experience. He has the size and presence the Hawks need to continue their recent momentum. The Hawks are on a roll right now—they have won four games in a row and could be getting things on track on their way to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Adding Sutton would only bolster their depth and toughness. The Hawks will need both of those things for the stretch run.

The Oilers did resign Sutton to a one year deal, so this may have taken him off the trading block. The deal only extends to 2012-2013, so the Hawks won't be on the hook for long.

For now, Sutton can be an asset on the blue line. For a poor Oilers team, Sutton is plus-2 in the plus-minus category, and he has logged 60 penalty minutes while playing just under 17 minutes per game.

Sutton is aggressive and respected, but he's smart. The Hawks could plug him next to Niklas Hjalmarsson or Steve Montador for an effective defensemen pairing.

Sutton's size and strength would assist clearing the crease area, and this will take tons of pressure off of Corey Crawford and Ray Emery.

He isn't a terribly fast skater or much of an offensive threat. He has attempted only 30 shots on goal this year, and has only 10 points from three goals and seven assists.

Those numbers don't matter much for the Hawks, as they need defense and depth, and Sutton could provide both.

Of all the defensemen available, Sutton is the best balance of ability and a reasonable contract.