NHL Trade Rumors: Four Ways the Chicago Blackhawks Can Afford to Upgrade On D

Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is on the hunt for a defender.

Bowman stated last week that he is looking for a veteran defender to help take penalty-kill minutes away from his top four defensemen.  Sources around the league pointed to Boston's Mark Stuart as a player Bowman had his eye on.

CSNNE.com had reported that the Bruins discussed the possibility of sending Stuart to Chicago before dealing him to Atlanta today in a four-player swap.

Will Bowman pull the trigger on a move to shore up the Hawks defense soon?

Other names on Bowman's wish list could be players like Buffalo's Steve Montador, Colorado's Matt Hunwick, and Edmonton's Ladislav Smid (pictured).  All these guys carry around a $1.5 salary cap hit, so some payroll is going to have to be pared down before a move can be made.

How could this be done?  Here are a few ways the Hawks could add to the blue line and maybe improve their immediate situation.

1. Send Viktor Stalberg Packing, Call Up Rob Klinkhammer

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 08: Rob Klinkhammer #59 of the Chicago Blackhawks participates in warm-ups before a game against of the Dallas Stars at the United Center on December 8, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Stars 5-3. (Photo by Jo

Including Stalberg in a deal for a defenseman would move $850,000 in salary.   Klinkhammer is a much better fit for fourth line minutes (Stalberg played just over four minutes against Minnesota Wednesday) and would cost $500,000.  This move clears $350,000 in cap space and improves your fourth line.

2. Keep Nick Leddy In Rockford, Call Up Brian Connelly

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LONDON,ON - SEPTEMBER 14: Brian Connelly #56 of the Chicago Black Hawks defends in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the NHL Rookie Tournament on September 14,2010 at the John Labatt Centre in London,Ontario. The Hawks defeated the Penguins 9

Leddy has had some good games up with the Hawks, but here's a way to clear almost $250,000 in cap space.

Connelly is a terrific puck-mover and about the same size as Leddy.  Paired with a defensive partner, he could play the role that Leddy is filling right now.

If you're of the inclination that Jordan Hendry could fill the fifth or sixth D spot, simply leave Connelly in Rockford and now the savings is $500,000 to the cap.

3. Move Nick Boynton

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CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 30: Nick Boynton #24 of the Chicago Blackhawks tries to control the puck under pressure from Vladimir Sobotka #17 of the St. Louis Blues at the United Center on November 30, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Blu

Seems obvious, doesn't it?

Boynton could be included as a throw-in to complete a trade or could also be waived and sent to Rockford.  Either way, the addition of a veteran defenseman eliminates the need for him on Chicago's roster.

Send him down I-90 or to another NHL club, but $500,000 is there to be saved by moving the 31-year-old Boynton.

4. Move Tomas Kopecky

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DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 22: Tomas Kopecky #82 of the Chicago Black Hawks skates in a game against the Detroit Red Wings on January 22, 2011 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Hawks defeated the Wings 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images

Kopecky carries a $1.2 million cap hit.  It's the largest salary I would feel comfortable moving.

If the priority is bringing in that penalty-killing defenseman, Kopecky would be the loss to the roster that would be felt the least in the current race for the playoffs.  It would also clear most of the needed cap space.

What Would Best Help the Hawks?

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BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 09: Steve Montador #4 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the San Jose Sharks at HSBC Arena on December 9, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo won 6-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Picking up an experienced defenseman while improving in another area would be great, so let's throw together a hypothetical deal.

The Hawks trade Stalberg and Boynton (a pipe dream, I know, but waive him if he can't be thrown in) along with a draft pick of some kind to the Sabres for Steve Montador.  Or better yet, to the Oilers for Smid. They call up Klinkhammer to take Stalberg's sport on the fourth line.

Suddenly, the Hawks add a shutdown-type defender to save the legs of Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, and Brian Campell, who will play better with a few less minutes.

They also can roll out a respectable fourth line with Jake Dowell, Ryan Johnson (assuming he returns to play soon), and Klinkhammer.

Will the Blackhawks add that man on the blue line?  If so, who will it be?

Stay tuned.  The trade deadline approaches...