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A lot of scuttlebutt reported here and elsewhere has the Blackhawks potentially trading either Johnny Oduya (appearing less likely) or Nick Leddy (appearing more likely) before October 1 in order to get under the salary cap.

The cap permutations are complicated. But, regardless, in all likelihood, especially as it appears Sheldon Brookbank might not be re-signed, the Hawks will be auditioning 1-2 younger players for either 6th and/or 7th defense spots.

What follows are a prioritized order of the likeliest candidates for the job(s).

David Rundblad

Has played in 55 NHL games. Former first round pick of the Blues, has obvious ability as a puck mover and playmaker from the back end. Fits the Hawk system well and vice versa. The Hawks are his fourth NHL organization, which is telling for a 23 year old. But Stan Bowman went out and traded for him so he will get an opportunity (or two).

Klas Dahlbeck

Considered a potential NHL regular in the Niklas Hjalmarsson mode, projects as a two way defenseman with upside. Dahlbeck might be the most NHL projectable home-grown defense prospect in the Hawks’ system.

Kyle Cumiskey

Has played in well over 100 NHL games, mostly for Colorado under then Av head coach Joel Quenneville. Small, puck-moving defenseman. This is not a guy with a ton of upside. You know what you’re getting and what you’re not.

Adam Clendening

Small, plus skater, very adept joining the rush and on the point on the power play. His limitations are in his own end. Clendening put up some impressive numbers and was an AHL All Star last year. But questions abound about his ability to handle larger NHL forwards.

WAIT ‘TIL NEXT YEAR (OR LONGER)

Stephen Johns

Projections vary fairly widely on Johns. A very physical, aggressive blueliner who has only 8 pro games. Realistically, he is at least a year or two away from regular NHL duty.

Trevor van Riemsdyk

Younger brother of Toronto power forward James van Riemsdyk. the Hawks are said to be very high on him. But he, like Johns, is a bit of an unknown quantity.



RUMOR

The Washington Capitals are rumored to be trying to clear a lot of cap space, including possibly defenseman Mike Green. If they are able to clear some space, they are said to have a strong interest in Patrick Sharp. This is NOT a Green for Sharp rumor, rather the Caps would clear some space through tradiing a higher-salaried player or two then possibly discuss Sharp with the Hawks.


More as I have it.


JJ

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