NHL Trade Rumors: Five Low-Cost Defensive Upgrades for the Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have been looking inside the organization for help on the blue line this season.  With the trade deadline approaching, it may be time to take a look around the NHL for some assistance.

The Blackhawks have used several combinations on their third line defense since the season began.  Rookie Nick Leddy made the club when Brian Campbell was injured, but lasted six games before he was sent down to Rockford.  Up came veteran Jassen Cullimore, who paired with Nick Boynton for much of the first half of the season.

The Boynton/Cullimore pairing has given way to Leddy, who was brought back up after he returned from the World Junior Championships, and Jordan Hendry.  Cullimore's back in Rockford and Boynton has been a healthy scratch for the last several games.

Leddy and Hendry have brought more speed and energy to the Blackhawks defense, but at times Leddy has looked like what he is at this stage of his career.  Namely, a 19-year old in a bit over his head.  Chicago fans, and more importantly coach Joel Quenneville have reason to be excited about Leddy's potential, and it's likely he will remain on the squad.

However, the Blackhawks are likely going to try to find an upgrade on defense for either their fifth, sixth, or seventh defenseman.  Best case scenario?  A solid veteran presence who the Hawks can fit under the salary cap.  Here are five players who may be able to fit the bill.

Chris Campoli, Ottawa Senators

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OTTAWA, CANADA - NOVEMBER 11: Chris Campoli #14 of the Ottawa Senators turs up ice with the puck during a game against the Vancouver Canucks at Scotiabank Place on November 11, 2010 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

Ottawa is not going anywhere and seems willing to deal several players, including defensemen Chris Phillips and Campoli.

Phillips might be more the type of player the Hawks are looking for, but it's likely the Hawks wouldn't be able to clear enough cap space to pull off the deal.

Campoli is a mobile defenseman and is a free agent at seasons end.  A perfect guy to take a flier on to add to the Blackhawks blue line depth.

Steve Montador, Buffalo Sabres

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SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 17: Steve Montador #4 of the Buffalo Sabres skates prior to the game against the Florida Panthers on December 17, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Sabres 6-2. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Get

The Sabres are eight points out of a playoff spot at the present time.  The theory goes that they may be ready to unload a few veterans.  Craig Rivet and Jordan Leopold are guys on the block, but they may be too pricey to get them under the cap.

Montador, however, would be affordable.  He's a pretty versatile veteran and at age 31 has a good amount of NHL experience behind him.  He's +11 on the season and can be a physical presence on the ice.

Alexandre Picard, Montreal Canadiens

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 26: Alexandre Picard #45 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on December 26, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Canadiens 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty

Montreal is thin at the forward position due to some recent injuries.  Jack Skille has been mentioned as a player the Habs may like to see north of the border.

Picard is solid defensively and moves the puck well.  He also has a two way contract and would pair up well with Hendry, who plays better when he doesn't have to bring up the puck.

Picard would be an upgrade over Boynton, and fits under the cap.

Hal Gill, Montreal Canadiens

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DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 10: Hal Gill #75 of the Montreal Canadiens against the Detroit Red Wings at the Joe Louis Arena on December 10, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Wings defeated the Canadiens 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Gill is another possibility if Montreal is desperate enough for help at forward.  Gill might be a solution for Chicago's problems on the penalty kill. 

Gill is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and the Hawks could fit him under the cap.  He isn't going to win many races for the puck, but he blocks shots and is solid on the defensive end.

Paired up with a faster skater like Hendry, Gill provides a lot of experience without a huge contract to pick up.

Brent Sopel, Atlanta Thrashers

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 11: Brent Sopel #3 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates against the New York Islanders on December 11, 2010 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The Thrashers defeated the Isles 5-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

With Sopel, the Hawks would know what they'd be getting.

Chicago was rumored to be pursuing former winger Ben Eager, whom went to the Thrashers in the same trade that sent Eager, Sopel, and Dustin Byfuglien to Atlanta this summer.  That didn't happen.  Would the Blackhawks be interested in bringing back Sopel?

Sopel's family still lives in Chicago and he knows Quenneville's system.  He's a solid shot blocker and would just fit under the cap as long as the Blackhawks traded a player on their NHL roster.

Watch Atlanta's positioning in the Eastern Conference.  If they take a nosedive from the eighth seed, they may be willing to listen.

Will The Blackhawks Pull The Trigger?

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 19: Wayne Simmonds #17 of the Los Angeles Kings falls to the ice while trying to pass between Nick Boynton #24 and Jassen Cullimore #5 of the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on December 19, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bla

Chicago picked up Boynton last season to be that extra defenseman, and the veteran played some important minutes both in the Stanley Cup finals and when Campbell was out early this season.

The 37 year-old Cullimore saw extended time in the NHL for the first time in well over a year this season, and could also find his way back up with the club.

The Blackhawks also have former Thrasher and Maple Leaf Garnet Exelby in Rockford and could bring him up if they thought he could fill the role they need right now.  The fact that Cullimore and Exelby are still suiting up for Rockford may be a sign that the team is still exploring better options.

If Chicago can find themselves an upgrade over Boynton, Cullimore, and Exelby without having to move a essential piece of their roster, the Blackhawks may make a move in the next few weeks.

Leddy is currently doing the Rockford shuffle to save valuable cap dollars, which may come in handy in a week or two when they can afford to upgrade the defense.