NHL Trade Rumors: Are the Chicago Blackhawks Aiming High or Standing Pat?

The Chicago Blackhawks have a shrinking window to improve the club as they leave a town covered in snow for a weekend getaway on the West Coast. Does GM Stan Bowman plan on capitalizing on the opportunity?

There has been a blizzard of activity regarding the 'Hawks in the last 24 hours. While we all head to our driveways to clear away the mess, let's pose a few questions and thoughts regarding the 'Hawks and the approaching trade deadline.

Moves are being made--when will Bowman follow suit?

The Kings pulled off a big move yesterday, picking up Jeff Carter from Columbus. There figures to be a lot of trade activity over the weekend. Bowman's haul so far was scratched for Chciago's 3-1 loss to Dallas. Is Brendan Morrison going to be Bowman's Big Move, or is something more substantial in the cards?

What was Tazer doing driving alone in Chicago?

As many of you know, Jonathan Toews hit a support girder on the elevated train yesterday. Despite a lot of hasty reports, Toews was not hospitalized and, other than seeing his sweet ride damaged in the accident, was fine. However, this does throw up a red flag to me.

If Toews has an upper body injury that prevents him from being on the ice, allowing him to drive a car in Chicago traffic seems a bit dubious.

If Toews is suffering from concussion-symptoms, as has been widely speculated, allowing him to drive a car in Chicago traffic is inexcusable. Either way, it's pretty dumb to let your team captain drive with a physical impairment. Make Morrison Tazer's chauffeur, for crying out loud.

Seriously, it doesn't seem to be difficult to hire a driver for Toews rather than let him operate an automobile when his ability to drive could be compromised.

Why did it take two concussions to the blue line to give Sami Lepisto his shot on D?

I'm not polishing Lepitso's impending Norris Trophy, but the inhibitor of Joel Quenneville's doghouse all season has played well for a sixth defenseman. He is still plus-four for the year and has had an even rating in his run of eight games.

Pat Foley commented on this on CSN's broadcast Thursday, noting that's exactly what you want in a third pairing guy. If Bowman wants to upgrade on defense, I won't disagree. Just don't make Lepisto the fall guy for this team's defensive issues this year. He's played his role when asked.

If Bowman sits on his cap surplus, does that change how we should feel about dealing Brian Campbell?

You bet it does.

Campbell was shipped to Florida to save cap dollars, period. It was implied that those cap dollars were going to bolster the club at this time of the season.

If Bowman can't or won't use that money, the argument can be made that absorbing Campbell's cap hit for another season was manageable. How would Soup have altered things on the back end this season?

Does the cap room Chicago has force Bowman to make at least a token deal?

For Bowman to save face, possibly. I wouln't want to see a move that doesn't make the 'Hawks a better team going forward. However, Bowman will face criticism if he stands pat.

What does Ice Hogs's goalie Carter Hutton have to do with anything?

The Blackhawks signed Hutton, who has played in Rockford on an AHL contract for most of the last two months, to a two-way NHL deal. He has to clear waivers by Friday morning, but could now be called up to Chicago.

The 'Hawks could be rewarding Hutton for some strong play in net in January, but the timing suggests that Chicago could use another goaltender in the near future. Is a deal involving Ray Emery, Alexander Salak, of even Hutton himself, be on the horizon?

Does Bowman go big or go home by Monday afternoon?

That remains to be seen, of course. It seems unfathomable that the Blackhawks will let the trade deadline pass without making a deal. The prospects, cap room, and needs are all there.

Stay tuned, 'Hawks fans. I'll weigh in on any trades Bowman elects to make this weekend.