Top 3 Blackhawks That Could Be Traded By April 3rd Deadline

The trade deadline is April 3rd and with the Hawks sitting at 25-4-3 it is difficult to see them doing a major splash at the deadline,because they don’t need to and that is not GM Stan Bowman’s style.  The one thing that the Hawks have needed for the past few seasons is a Center. They have tried to develop a 2nd line center in Marcus Kruger and have promoted Dave Bolland to that position with different degrees of success.  Even though I wanted Bolland on the 2nd line whether it be the injuries or  focus he  has not put up the offensive stats that he should be putting up with that unit and he has struggled at the face-off circle. So if Stan is shopping for anything besides deals it has to be for a center that can win face-0ffs  be an effective player on the power-play.  With that the Hawks are not going to be just given players they will have to lose to gain so here are my three top Hawks that could be wearing a different jersey come April.

Mar 26, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing

(25) shoots the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

3. Viktor Stalberg– Stalberg hasn’t shown up on the rumor mill but he could be the asset that moves at the deadline because he’s in the last year of his contract. Stalberg only makes $875,000 and will be do for a pretty big pay raise come this summer.  Stalberg currently has 6 goals and 11 assists but has been pretty quiet the past few games.  Stalberg has everything a team building  would be looking for in youth, speed, and potential.  Stalberg has been on a very successful line with Bryan Bickell and Andrew Shaw with the team calling up Jimmy Hayes to keep this line in place through the injuries to Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp so unless the deal is tremendous I see Stalberg surviving the trade deadline.

Mar 25, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Dave Bolland (36) skates with the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Dave Bolland– Bolland is a playoff gamer but somehow has a magical way of disappearing during the regular season. Bolland gets paid $3.2 million a year but he only earns his pay during the post-season.  If the deal was right Bolland could be wearing another jersey come April.  The downside to a Bolland trade is he does shut down players like the Sedin’s during the playoffs.  I would be torn if Bolland got moved ,especially when the playoffs begin, which probably wouldn’t happen, but if there was a piece that could moved for an upgrade at the center position he would be the moving piece.

Mar 26, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing

(13) battles for position with Calgary Flames defenseman

(7) during the third period at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Flames 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Daniel Carcillo– This by far would be the player that could be traded without any major disruption to the chemistry of the franchise.  Most Hawks fans are tired of the Carbomb and he wouldn’t be missed by most fans. The problem with moving Carcillo would be what else would the Hawks have to throw in to get the Center they need in return in the deal.  Most teams aren’t going to want to take on a tough guy without something else for a talented center.  The name that seems to get thrown out a lot is prospect Mark McNeil.  I never understood why the Hawks brought in Carcillo to the organization because he really doesn’t fit the style but if he brought in the Center the Hawks could use for a Stanley Cup run then I guess he would finally be useful!

What do you think? Which Hawks player do you think could be moved at the trade deadline or do you think the team is ready for the playoffs right now?

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