NHL Trade Rumors: 6 Players on the Chicago Blackhawks Radar

Less then 24 hours till the NHL trade deadline and the Chicago Blackhawks have yet to make a move. 

General manager Stan Bowman is now under intense pressure to solve what ails the Blackhawks lineup. The Blackhawks are in desperate need for a defenseman who can also run the power play. Another top-six forward or second-line center would also greatly help.

But just what exactly is out there for the Blackhawks to go after?

Bowman has made it clear in the past that he will not be looking for a goaltender, so mark that off the list.

Will Bowman be able to pull off a big trade overnight? Will the Chicago Blackhawks be able to make the playoffs with their current lineup if no trade is made?

These are the top six players that are on the Chicago Blackhawks radar come tomorrow's trade deadline.

Mikhail Grabovski

According to a rumor swirling around, the Blackhawks may be interested in center Mikhail Grabovski.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke might be reluctant to move Grabovski without the right offer, however.

Grabovski would be a great fit for the Chicago Blackhawks as their second-line center, something they desperately need with the absence of Jonathan Toews. GM Stan Bowman may need to dish out a first-round pick for Grabovski, but it would be worth it. 

It would supplement an already solid top six for the Chicago Blackhawks and may even provide that much-needed spark for the power play.

Grabovski has played well in his first four seasons in the NHL, scoring a career high 58 points last season. His cap hit is at $2.9 million, but may be worth much more at around $5 million annually. 

The possibility of this trade is slim, however, as the Maple Leafs are still in playoff contention at the moment.

Derek Roy

Another center that the Blackhawks might be interested in is Buffalo's Derek Roy.

Roy would be the solution to the Blackhawks' second-line center problem and would pack some offensive help as well. Roy has been one of the Sabres' top point producers over the last seven seasons.

Roy's cap hit is currently at $4 million, which should fit in well with Chicago. The question is, can a deal be made?

Bowman may need to send out a first-round pick and possibly a couple of prospects to get his hands on this valuable player.

But it could work out, helping the Blackhawks' power play and center issues down the stretch.

Paul Gaustad

Another center hailing from the Buffalo Sabres is Paul Gaustad. While not as talented as Roy, Gaustad is a big guy at 6'5" and 225 lbs. 

Gaustad is known for his gritty play and teamwork, something that is lacking from the Blackhawks lineup as of late.

While he may not be a long-term solution to the Blackhawks second line, he can certainly help down the stretch and into the playoffs. His cap hit is at $2.3 million, which makes him an easy fit for any salary-cap stricken team.

The possibility of this trade is pretty solid, though it will be viewed as a consolation prize come the trade deadline.

Sheldon Souray

Defenseman Sheldon Souray might be on the radar of Stan Bowman.

The Dallas Stars veteran could be a good short-term solution to the Blackhawks' defensive woes.

With a $1.65 million cap hit, Souray would be an easy fit into the Blackhawks lineup. But will the Dallas Stars make a deal when they are on the verge of making the playoffs?

Souray is a big guy at 6'4" and 237 lbs. and he could be just what the Blackhawks need on the back end.

The possibility of this trade happening is entirely dependent on the Stars front office.

Matt Carle

With the acquisition of Nick Grossman and Pavel Kubina, the Philadelphia Flyers may be shopping around defenseman Matt Carle.

Carle, 27, will be an unrestricted free agent come the offseason and has a cap hit of $3.4 million. But Carle would be a great fit for this Blackhawks team. He would be able to fill many defensive needs and possibly help out on the power play.

The price for Carle is expected to be great, however, and the Blackhawks may have to ship out one of their core players for the defenseman. 

It will all come down to what Bowman believes is best for this team in the long run—not just this season. Look for discussions surrounding this trade come the trade deadline.

Toni Lydman

Will the Anaheim Ducks sell or will they hold back? The Chicago Blackhawks may be interested in acquiring defenseman Toni Lydman.

While just a short-term solution for the Blackhawks' defensive woes, Lydman can provide some points and veteran leadership.

Lydman would be a welcome addition to the blue line. At 34 years of age, Lydman can still hold his end with some solid defense.

Look for such a trade to be a very real possibility come the trade deadline.