Trade Rumors: Blackhawks And Islanders Still Talking?!?

March 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Islanders center Frans Nielsen (51) moves the puck up ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Sassone of the Daily Harold and on Twitter @Timsassone has been reporting that the Hawks and New York Islanders are still talking trade.  Earlier on Saturday we mentioned the rumor of Mark Streit and now Sassone is mentioning him as possible player coming to Chicago.  The more interesting player is Frans Nielsen who could be the 2nd line center that the Hawks are in need of at this time. Nielsen has 3 goals and 15 assists and wins faceoffs at 45.3% clip.  Nielsen wouldn’t be a rental since he’s signed through 2016. If the Hawks do make a deal for Nielsen or any other center it would put a bunch of line moves in motion but the biggest move would be Dave Bolland on the third line.

The hangup for me in this deal and in all of these deals is the cost will be too much for Stan Bowman.  Bowman’s goal is to build a Championship franchise from the minors to the NHL.  Bowman is not going to part with draft picks and young talent very easily, and he is starting to remind me of a fantasy football owner that likes his players so much he’s never willing to part ways with anyone on his roster to improve the team.  21 year olds Jeremy Morin and Dylan Olsen are always on teams wish lists when deals with the Hawks are brought up, but are they long-term assets in Bowman’s eyes?  Nielson wouldn’t be a rental since he’s signed through 2016.

Another name floating around today has been Ryane Clowe of the San Jose Sharks,  with the news of him being asked to waive his no-trade clause tonight. The Hawks are by no means the front runner and his presence by no means would solve their roster problems. The Boston Bruins who lost out on the Jarome Iginla sweepstakes are believed to be the clubhouse leader (again).  The other issue with Clowe is the asking price is said to be a first round pick and a prospect which is way too much for a rental in Bowman’s master plan.

There seems to be a whole lot of smoke with this “leak” about the Hawks and Islanders talking which to me means that the Hawks are trying to work their magic on the down low with another franchise, or they really aren’t talking to anyone and will stand pat through the deadline. Or maybe just maybe where there is smoke there is fire!

What do you think? Will the Hawks add a center or defenseman at the deadline?