Chicago Blackhawks: Defensemen They Could Trade For

With Brent Seabrook out of the lineup with a lower body injury, the Chicago Blackhawks have had to rely heavily on support from Sami Lepisto and John Scott. In fact, they have had to rely on them way too much. 

The 'Hawks are off to a pretty good start this season, but after back-to-back losses, giving up a total of 14 goals in two games, it is clear they need help on the blue line. 

The recent demotion of Rostislav Olesz has opened a window of opportunity. With Olesz clearing waivers and playing in Rockford, his $3.1-million cap hit is now off the books. That gives the 'Hawks roughly $6 million to play with before or near the trade deadline.  

With this in mind, some fans want to see the 'Hawks make a major splash and pursue a hired gun to catapult them to a new level. While this may be tempting, the 'Hawks already have a sound offense. Certainly another second- or third-line forward is in order considering Bryan Bickell's season is rapidly becoming an epic failure.

Seabrook will be back, but for the 'Hawks to be as solid as they can be, another top-six defenseman will have to be part of the equation.

Here is a short list of some that fit the bill. 

Ladislav Smid

The Edmonton Oilers just waxed the 'Hawks 9-2, and while Edmonton natives are excited, they may still find themselves out of the playoff picture.

Because they are still in somewhat of a rebuilding mode, it is difficult to tell if they would be willing to trade Ladislav Smid.

Smid is a defensive defenseman, which the 'Hawks need. He is 25 years old and carries a cap hit of $2.5 million a year for the net two seasons. He plays the position well, logs over 20 minutes a game and could fit in very well in the top six.

If the Oilers are in a position to sell, the 'Hawks should find out what it would cost them to acquire the big Czech. 

Hal Gill

The Montreal Canadiens may find themselves in a tough spot once the new year rolls around. If the playoffs started today, they would be out of the picture. Unless they get on a roll, they will have to make some tough decisions moving forward.

Four of their regular defensemen will become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. With this in mind, some of them may be on the move.

What could be better for the 'Hawks than a player like Hal GIll? He is a proven leader and a stay-at-home defenseman who takes pride at clearing players out in front to the net. He is also a great shot-blocker. Clearly, these are areas where the 'Hawks need help.

If the season plays out and Montreal continues to have difficulty, Gill is a player that would be a great fit.

Francois Beauchemin

The Anaheim Ducks are not having the season they hoped for. Currently, the Ducks sit second to last in the Western Conference with 16 points.

Unless there is a dramatic turnaround, the Ducks will have to consider unloading players on or before the deadline.

Francois Beauchemin will be an unrestricted free agent after finishing up a $3.8-million hit. There could be a lot of interest in Beauchemin. He still moves the puck well, can provide some offense, handles himself well in his own zone, and would fit in well somewhere in the top six with the 'Hawks.

This may be a rental for the 'Hawks, but at the same time, Beauchemin will turn 32 in June. More than likely, he will be due for a pay cut. At the right price, this could be a longer investment if the 'Hawks choose to act. 

Bryan Allen

Here is a way to get John Scott out of the lineup: trade for a 6'5, 226-pound, stay-at-home defenseman. That is what you would get with the Carolina Hurricane's Bryan Allen.

You are not going to get a player to put up a lot of points, but you will get a decent skater to provide some muscle in front of the net. Allen still moves the puck well and is reliable.

He will soon be an unrestricted free agent and right now makes $2.9 million a year. While not valued in Carolina, he could be a solid addition to the 'Hawks.  

Kyle Quincey

The Colorado Avalanche sit below the .500 mark. If they chose to cut ties with restricted free agent-to-be Kyle Quincey, someone will be in the market for one heck of a player.

Quincey is of the Nicky Leddy mold. He is a puck-moving defenseman who reads the play well and provides an offensive spark.  He has a $3.1-million cap hit and will look to make similar money next season.

Colorado will need to prioritize Quincey or Erik Johnson during the offseason. Johnson will also be a restricted free agent. Though Johnson has not yet lived up to the hype, at the age of 23, he is still considered a protege.

If Stan Bowman is smart, he should try to create a package to acquire Kyle Quincey and Avalanche forward David Jones. That would be a huge plus for Chicago. 

Cory Sarich

Though the 'Hawks lost to the Calgary Flames last Friday night 5-2, I cannot say I am overly impressed with many players Calgary has to offer.

One player that I would not mind the 'Hawks taking a run at would be Corey Sarich. Though in his early 30s, Sarich has won a cup, with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004. He has a lot of the defensive qualities that the 'Hawks are in need of. He makes sure the job is done in his own zone, and anything else is a plus.

This may not be an expensive pickup for the 'Hawks. He will be a free agent in June, and Calgary will definitely be looking to unload him.

Zach Bogosian

Here is the wild card on the list. Would the Winnipeg Jets be willing to unload Zach Bogosian? Would the 'Hawks be able to mold him into the player everyone thought he would be by now? What would he cost?

This one is a long shot, but worth considering from both sides. Bogosian was the third overall pick in the 2008 NHL draft. The then-Atlanta Thrashers thought they were getting the future of their franchise and someone who was ready to make an immediate impact. 

Now in his fourth season, Bogosian is not yet a star. In fairness, he is only 21 years old, and many NHL defensemen mature later on in their careers. The rumblings are that he is not impressed with the Winnipeg organization and is looking for a change.

So where do the 'Hawks fit in? It would be a risk, and Bogosian has a $2.5-million cap hit for the next two years. It may cost a high pick or a decent prospect, but Bogosian could thrive being around a team and teammates that could work with him.

The Jets will not make the playoffs this year. In 20 games thus far, Bogosian has a mere five assists. Would they be willing to move a player like this? Time will tell.