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Setting aside the ongoing Patrick Sharp Drama for a moment, an update on a growing rumor (first reported on my message board thread about ten days ago) that the Hawks and free agent defenseman Christian Ehrhoff have some mutual interest.

I first heard the rumor from a source in Canada, and its since been confirmed by an independent source in Chicago—both typically solid.

What is interesting about this is while it would appear on the surface that Ehrhoff would be a "Plan B" in the event of Johnny Oduya going elsewhere, I heard last night that it is possible that the Hawks might sign both Ehrhoff and Oduya.

Huh?

How does that work with barely enough cap room to buy a 24 pack of Timbits (or a bag of potato chips)?

Well, setting aside the heavy lifting Hawk GM Stan Bowman has to do in terms of trading some contracts away, I have heard (again from independent sources) that first, the "agreed upon" deal between Oduya and the Hawks is quite favorable to Chicago. Oduya wants to be in Chicago. He's already a wealthy man. Like his defense partner and countryman and buddy, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Oduya is putting team and accomplishments ahead of money. For now.

I have also heard that Ehrhoff sees the end of his career approaching, with no Stanley Cup to take back to the Rhine Valley, and he's willing to forego padding his estimable bank account in order to do so.

Nice problem to have, if you're the Hawks.

As for Sharp, Jay Zawaski of the Score in Chicago, who's had some solid information of late is reporting a deal could happen this weekend, and in light of the upcoming Convention, the timing certainly seems right.

Montreal, as long reported here (and elsewhere), would appear to be the likely dance partner. My sources are not speaking of anything impending, in fact one said last night nothing is close, but the Hawks are on super-tight lockdown.

As for Florida, that rumor is a funny one. I have two sources who swear it was legit, another who says he heard nothing about it. And a couple more who say the teams have talked but nothing was close.

My gut tells me there was/is a kernel of truth in there somewhere, and as such, in light of the whole story I heard, I wouldn't expect any deal (for Sharp) happening there.

I am still hearing Kris Versteeg to Winnipeg as a possibility. But I suspect there could be other suitors. But I am also hearing a Versteeg deal could take a back seat to Sharp and other deals.

That's all I have this morning. Back later if anything comes up.


JJ

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