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Quick Rumor Update

February 16, 2012, 1:16 PM ET [756 Comments]
John Jaeckel
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Twitter and my PM inbox are blowing up with the Hawks being linked to Kubina today, among other trade rumors. My information and comments on each as follows:

NASH:

I believe this rumor is dead.

My info. is that Chicago is not on a shorter list Nash shared with CBJ management in the last 48 hours. Were they before? I don't know for sure but I suspect so as the Hawks were, I'm told, preparing a significant offer for the legitimate power left winger who would improve their awful power play.

Curiously, though, and likely just coincidence, the two players I was told the Hawks were interested in (Nash and Derek Dorsett) were both held out of practice today (along with Jeff Carter and Fedor Tyutin).

Tyutin is an interesting sidelight in all this: a defenseman who could bolster the Hawks' second pair and pretty savvy with slap passes from the point on the power play.

Those dismissing the possibility of the Hawks dealing for Nash as "nonsense" need to realize it's real easy to dismiss a rumor based on your "logic," even when the rumor is grounded in solid info. from a good source. In other words, maybe don't say "nonsense" unless you have the positive proof it isn't happening. MUCH stranger things have happened than the Hawks offering 2 NHL players, an AHL player and a top prospect for a Rick Nash.

KUBINA:

The Hawks and Tampa have spoken a lot over the last number of weeks and there is a longstanding, near father/son relationship between Steve Yzerman and Hawk Sr. Vp (and Florida resident) Scotty Bowman. i have heard a number of names in conjunction with these talks— but never Kubina's. Still, he certainly would make a ton of sense for the Hawks on the ice right now. But for arguably the premier defenseman on the trade market, the Hawks would have to pay dearly for an expiring contract.

ZIDLICKY:

Stan Bowman and Wild management have connected before at this time of year (Cam Barker for Kim Johnsson and Nick Leddy), and Minnesota sources have the Hawks connected to Zidlicky today. He also fits the Hawks' need. Question is, with $4 million left on a deal through 2013, what would/could the Hawks' send the other way and would that appeal to the Wild.

MILLER FOR KANE:

I am convinced this is entirely a media fabrication.

Never once have I heard a connected source say this deal is actually being discussed.

I have heard guys like Nick Kypreos discuss it as something the teams "should" do. Big difference.

Now, that said, some hockey people (who I agree with by the way) feel that a larger deal involving Kane and Miller— NOT straight up— could make sense for both teams. Again, the "logicians" in the Hawk fanbase need to listen more to sources outside Chicago where you will get a more balanced, dispassionate assessment of Kane's game and his relative value, AND also appreciation for the value of players he could bring in return.

The notion that he is untradeable under any circumstance while players like Wayne Gretzky (and many others superior to Kane) were traded multiple times, is asinine.

But it's all talk also 'til something happens. Or there's a solid rumor, which I'm not aware of at this time.

Until then, everyone should chill out.


All I got for now, will share as I know more.

JJ
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