Trade Rumors: Who Else Is Left?

Less than 24 hours remain until the 2013 trade deadline. Most of the big fish are out of play, but the Chicago Blackhawks still have the opportunity to pick up a great contributor (or two) before then. Let’s take a look at some of the possibilities for Stan Bowman and Blackhawks brass.

• Mark Streit

March 30, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Mark Streit (2) carries the puck up ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

For the New York Islanders, a change is needed. The team is struggling, and there seems to be no solution for the 2013 campaign. Getting rid of their captain would be a move that can shake up the organization, and result in a quality return with one or two young players that can be with the team for a long time. Streit would be a good sight in a Blackhawks sweater, shoring up the 2nd defensive pairing, and giving some much needed help on the powerplay. In his return, the Islanders would like one NHL-ready player at least, a young one such as Jeremy Morin or Jimmy Hayes, as well as a draft pick or other prospects. Getting the Islanders captain would not be cheap, but it could help the Hawks enormousely on the blueline.

TRADE PROBABILITY: 3/10. Some salary would have to be moved in the trade, something that Stan Bowman would be unwilling to do because of the great chemistry between lines. Always a possibility though.

• Mike Ribero

March 19, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals center

(9) skates up ice with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Ribero was moved to Washington this summer in hopes he could provide some help up the middle. He has not only done that but turned in to the Capitals’ leading scorer, with 34 points. Now that the Caps are back in contention, they are looking at the possibility of a trade for Ribero. He could help the Blackhawks on both special teams, as well as be a quality second or third line center. He is still a rental player, as he is expected to become a UFA this summer, so the Hawks could add some scoring power as well as more strength in the dot as they go towards another long playoff run.

TRADE PROBABILITY: 2/10. Before the trade yesterday for Michal Handzus, this could have been several points higher. Still a possibility, if the Hawks were willing to bid goodbye to a player such as Andrew Shaw, to not have an abundance of NHL centers on their roster.

• Sergei Gonchar

Mar 23, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning centre

(89) narrowly escapes getting hit by the puck as Ottawa Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar (55) looks on in the third period at Scotiabank Place. The Senators won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Sergei Gonchar hasn’t been given much thought this year, but it’s about time he should. He has a good chance of leaving Ottawa, as he has not re-signed and is expected to be a UFA this summer. He is a good rental d-man who would garner less cost than the aforementioned Streit, albiet with less special-teams prowess. He could be a good jolt to the Blackhawks defense for the rest of the season.

TRADE PROBABILITY: 1/10. I don’t see Gonchar coming to Chicago, but he still is the kind of player the Hawks are searching for. Too much to give up, for too little, especially for only 2 months.

With Bowman’s reputation to shy away from big trades, I don’t see another one coming before Wednesday afternoon. The Hawks will most likely try to stick with what they got for the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs. After all, it has been working! We’re in first!

Do you think the Hawks will make a move? Let us know on Twitter: @Blackhawk_Up, or Facebook: Blackhawk Up.

GO HAWKS!!!