Chicago Blackhawks Free Agent Rumor: Bowman’s Bargain Bin

Mar 14, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center Derek Roy (11) reacts after having his goal disallowed against Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller (1) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The thing about Stan Bowman is he doesn’t make splashes, but he makes small ripples that doesn’t cost much yet can be a hidden gem.  Nobody thought much of Michael Handzus when he came over at the trade deadline and even though he struggled at times he scored two of the bigger goals of the season on the road during the playoffs  in Game #6 at Detroit and Game #4 at Boston.

Now comes free agency where last season Bowman picked out a hidden gem in Michal Rozsival who blended nicely in the Blackhawks very good blue line in 2013.  This season Bowman’s bargain bin may have room for one more gem.

During the trading deadline this season there were names rumored besides Handzus such as Mike Ribeiro and Derek Roy.  Both are free agents but on different paths.  Ribeiro is looking for a big contract while Derek Roy bombed in Vancouver and could be a bargain waiting to happen.

Roy after arriving in Vancouver managed only 3 goals and 3 assists while only recording 1 assist in the four games it took for the Canucks to get swept out of the playoffs.  Roy is only 30 years old and is probably looking for more than a 1 or 2 year contract even though his play doesn’t warrant it.

Bowman has stated that he wants the youth movement and has mentioned Brandon Pirri at length, but Bowman always has a “veteran presence” guy in the lineup and with Handzus probably gone and Jamal Mayers probably retiring, the Hawks in 2013-2014 will have a shortage of veteran presence guys. Roy fits the bill and  though not at Jonathan Toews level at faceoffs would still be an improvement from every other Hawks center.

This signing wouldn’t be a headline deal or probably excite the Hawks faithful but if you’re looking for a player that still could produce in a position of need for the Hawks at a price that is right this could be a marriage right up Bowman’s Bargain ally.

What do you think? Will Roy still be asking for too much or do the Hawks want nothing to do with Roy?

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