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Good news, Hawk fans.
You have a team that does a lot of things well, some things very well—including winning games and gaining points it really has no business winning—has great depth on defense and apparently enough goaltending.
But before drawing positive parallels to the now semi-legendary 2009-2010 Cup team, let's examine the relative weaknesses: a little more age, the team's two best players coming off bad concussions, faceoff wins (absent one of the aforementioned players) and net front presence/muscle upfront.
OK—and what I've laid out above will not come as news to most serious Hawk fans—what are the answers.
At some point, Stan Bowman is going to need to set aside his plodding, uber-cautious approach and make a move. And maybe a move that some might call "risky" or "expensive." Value for value deals are like that. There is both a benefit AND a cost.
So what might Bowman give up for the missing piece(s) that could fortify the Hawks for their pilgrimage back to the Cup? A top prospect like a Mark McNeill or an Adam Clendening. A promising younger player like a Marcus Kruger or a Bryan Bickell or a Nick Leddy. Or maybe even an underachieving "star" like a Patrick Sharp or a Dave Bolland.
Understand, as I have been in Kruger's corner for the last four years, I would hate to see the Hawks part with him just as his star is rising. But the fact remains, on a team that needs faceoff wins, that is probably the one big hole in Kruger's game.
Now, the "goods" I've just laid out on the counter are substantial. And value for value, there might not be that many trade options that merit dealing a Sharp or a Bolland or even Kruger or Leddy.
But, let's look at what might be available that could help the Hawks.
First, be realistic. Western Conference playoff-bound or playoff-contending teams? Out. Not happening.
Eastern Conference teams? Yeah. Playoff bound Eastern teams are going to be less likely to deal quality NHL players for prospects. They're going to want quality NHL players back. So unless Bowman feels he can subtract a Sharp, a Bolland, Kruger or Leddy, a Bickell or a Viktor Stalberg, you're not dealing with an Eastern playoff team.
A player the Hawks have had their eyes on over the last couple of seasons who does a lot of the things the Hawks need in a forward is New Jersey's David Clarkson.
Now, although it's early, there are 2-3 teams who look less likely to make the playoffs in the East who have a few players who could potentially help the Hawks: Florida, Carolina and the Capitals.
Alex Ovechkin? Ain't happenin'. At least not in my crystal ball this Monday morning.
None of the players I'm going to pull out here are Tomas Holmstrom. But all have shown a willingness on their careers to go to the front of the net, stay there and make some things happen.
From Washington:
Troy Brouwer or Joel Ward.
Both are going to cost you $3 million a year. Ward cashed in on a great playoff performance in Nashville year before last and might never be "worth" the dollars. Brouwer's salary goes up to over $3 million next year. Brouwer especially does a lot of good things for this Hawk team.
But before the naysayers start the whole salary/value argument ("he's not worth that salary"), don't. You're talking about adding a piece or pieces that win you a Stanley Cup. You sort out the contracts AFTER you win it. Otherwise, enjoy the Big Cap Space Parade on the golf course in May and June. There always prime viewing spaces on that route. And we're not talking (generally) about Cristobal Huet sized deals here either.
From Carolina:
Tuomo Ruutu
Ruutu is a penalty and sometimes an injury waiting to happen, but he is a physical and talented offensive player who can play either center or wing.
From Florida:
Tomas Kopecky
Wonky skating style and high and wide shots be damned, Kopy is a willing worker who can be effective in front of a goalie. He can also play some center and kill penalties. Again, "well compensated" at $3 million per for what he does. But what he does is somewhat to largely missing from the Hawks.
From Toronto:
(and go easy Leaf fans, you guys are off to a nice start, but let's face it, you're rebuilding on the fly)
Jay McClement or possibly even a James van Riemsdyk (and yes, JVR will cost you a quality NHL player or two at minimum in return).
Those are just some names to kick around right now. There could be more as the season and playoff possibilities unfold (or fold).
All for now,
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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