Chicago Blackhawks Trade Targets and Trade Bait as the Deadline Looms

The trade deadline is just two days away and there has already been plenty of discussion of whom the Chicago Blackhawks will be pursuing. With that in mind I have compiled a list of players for Blackhawks fans to keep their eyes on as possible targets to improve them for their playoff push.

Trade Targets (Most Likely)

Dominic Moore

Here is a player that seems to fit the mould of what the 'Hawks need at the trade deadline, a player who can win face-offs and can provide some scoring at the center position. Moore also has a very affordable contract at $900,000 so the 'Hawks would likely only need to clear a little bit of cap space.

The down side for Moore is that he is a unrestricted free agent at season's end and general manager Dale Tallon has stated that he is not looking to do any one-year rentals. Other than this fact he is a very attractive option for Tallon to consider.

Antoine Vermette

Vermette is very much like Moore in the fact that he is what the 'Hawks are looking for from a skill standpoint but Vermette does have a heftier contract at $2.763 million per season. 

There is one criteria that Vermette does mean for the 'Hawks a non-rental solution. Vermette is signed through the 2009-2010 season and his cap hit is affordable in the long run. If the 'Hawks do acquire Vermette they will need to make some rather difficult roster decisions as in who will get sent to Rockford to make way for him.

Jeff Halpern

The first two options seem to be the best options thus far but the third option the 'Hawks have does bring a little something extra, veteran leadership. On a team whose average age is 25, the Blackhawks could use a veteran presence like Jeff Halpern to lead this young and inexperienced team into the playoffs. 

Halpern has been very good in the face-off circle this season with a face-off percentage of 54.5. But like Vermette he comes with a price tag that could cause the Blackhawks problems cap-wise.

In many ways Halpern gives the 'Hawks exactly what they need but does his lack of offensive scoring and history of injury scare them away?

Samuel Pahlsson

On many rumor sites today there has been talk of the Blackhawks being very interested in acquiring Anaheim Ducks center Samuel Pahlsson. When first hearing this I though that this could be a solid move that gives the 'Hawks a good face-off center with a Stanley Cup under his belt but upon further examination I'm not so sure.

Of course as I stated earlier, Pahlsson is a veteran with playoff experience and a good record in the face-off circle but currently Pahlsson is battling mono and does not provide the 'Hawks with a significant scoring option. Palhsson is also an unrestricted free agent after the season, making him a rental player, which doesn't seem to be the 'Hawks target.

I really like Pahlsson and think he is very good at what he does but is he the type of player the Blackhawks should be looking at, not likely.

Steve Montador

Although the 'Hawks have had a very solid defense corps this season, there have been talks that they are looking to add some depth to their blue line. Although I believe depth down the center is most important, it might also be necessary to look at adding another depth player to the blue line. This is where Montador comes in.

Montador is enjoy a great season with the Anaheim Ducks, leading the team's defensemen in plus-minus rating with a plus-15. Montador would provide the 'Hawks with another option on the blue line and could likely find himself pair with Cam Barker or James Wisniewski.

Trade Targets (Unlikely)

Jordan Staal

Could you imagine the 'Hawks having 1-2-3 punch at center for the next 10-15 years? That is what Jordan Staal would bring to the 'Hawks if he were to be acquired but will that likely happen? No. The big reason is that the Penguins are still very much alive in the East and would likely require a top-six player in return for any deal. 

I know that I would love to see Staal in an Indian Head sweater but unless the names Martin Havlat or Patrick Sharp were included in a trade for Staal I do not think there is any way that Staal gets traded to the 'Hawks or any team for that matter.

Jason Spezza

Spezza's name has been circulated around the rumor mill all season and the Blackhawks have always been a team rumored to be interested in the star center man but don't look for that to happen anytime soon.

Spezza would fill the need for a second-line center but his cap number would cramp up the Chicago books for years to come. The 'Hawks need to lock up players like Toews, Kane, and Keith so any player with a long contract for big bucks is likely out of the question.

Olli Jokinen

Like most of the others I have mentioned thus far it is about the money and it is no different with Olli Jokinen. Jokinen is being shopped by the Phoenix Coyotes in order to reduce cost and create cap space so it is very likely that the 'Yotes are not looking to take on salary. 

With this in mind the 'Hawks cannot afford to take on Jokinen's contract and only give up picks or prospects. As much as I would love to see this guy playing for Chicago on March 7 against the Bruins, it just does not seem likely.

Chris Pronger

As I have mentioned throughout this article I think the true need for the Blackhawks is a second line center but many 'Hawks fans have called for GM Dale Tallon to inquire about Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger.

I think that Pronger would be a great addition to the Blackhawks' defensive corps and alongside Brian Campbell but the cap is once again an enemy of this trade. If the 'Hawks had the cap room I believe that Pronger would be a rather strong possibility.

Trade Bait

Dustin Byfuglien

Byfuglien seems to have finally found his place in the Chicago lineup but he also could be an intriguing name to many come the trade deadline. Byfuglien has tons of raw potential but also comes with a hefty price tag.

If a team with one of those high-priced players falls in love with his potential and are willing to part with a second line center to get him then in all likelihood he will be traded.

If not then expect him to be with the Blackhawks come March 5.

Craig Adams

Adams has become a non-entity with the Blackhawks as he has been benched in favor of rookie forward Jack Skille. If the 'Hawks acquire a player that puts them over the cap then look for his name to hit the wavier wire or be headed the other way in a trade.

I really did not understand why he was acquired last season and now he seems to be on his way out again.

Jack Skille

When Jack Skille was recalled a week ago many believed that the 'Hawks were showcasing his talent to those throughout the league but since being called up he hasn't even seen that much ice time.

But as the top prospect in the organization his name will be floated around in an attempt to acquire a second line center.

Do I think Skille will be moved at the deadline? No, but I suppose anything could happen.

Petri Kontiola

I am almost certain that Kontiola will be involved in any trade on March 4 as he has become very disenchanted with Chicago management. Kontiola seemed to be the guy that was going to be anchoring the 'Hawks second line this season but with his poor training camp he has been unable to crack the NHL lineup.

In November, Kontiola asked to be traded and I imagine he will get his wish come March 4.

2009/2010 Second Round Picks

The 'Hawks have four second-round picks combined over the next two drafts so it is likely that they will add these pick into deals to get the players they need/want.

Now that I have provided you with some names to look out for I would like to hear what you think the 'Hawks should do come the trade deadline. If you have an opinion please leave a comment and I will respond with a comment of my own. 

I hope that now you feel prepared for what many Blackhawks fans hope to be a very busy NHL trade deadline.