Blackhawks might have to part with talented rookies to swing deal

“He’s got some quickness for his size,” Quenneville said. “He’s got a big body and uses that to his advantage. … Defensively, he’s aware of what we’re trying to do system-wise or team-wise. Jimmy is a big body that’s very useful for us and I think he can help us.”

Trading a top prospect may be something a team regrets in the long run, but pays off in the short term. The Stars traded Jarome Iginla to the Calgary Flames in 1995 and he’s had a Hall-of-Fame career. But the Stars also acquired a former Stanley Cup champion in Joe Nieuwendyk, who helped them win the Cup in 1999 and reach the finals in 2000.

Playoff-bound teams like the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks have all upgraded their rosters.


The Hawks were thought to have had interest in defensemen Kyle Quincey and Nicklas Grossman, but both have already been traded: Quincey to the Red Wings and Grossman to the Flyers.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are said to be willing to part with some of their blue-liners, notably Cody Franson or Luke Schenn, but the price is high because the Leafs are still in the playoff hunt. Incidentally, Hayes was acquired from the Leafs in 2010.

In other words, it might be time for Bowman, who has spent the past two seasons re-stocking the Hawks’ system with quality prospects, to part with some of them.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/hockey/blackhawks/10815519-419/blackhawks-might-have-to-part-with-talented-rookies-to-swing-deal.html