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Less than a year after nearly winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, there are indications Bryan Bickell could be moved by the Blackhawks.
Bickell signed a lucrative, 4-year, $million per year contract this offseason and he has struggled since, partially through injury.
I have heard two trade rumors now, from two separate strong sources, that have the Hawks shopping Bickell. First with the Jets in a deal possibly involving Andrew Ladd, and most recently with the Flyers, for forward Scott Hartnell. Both deals would have involved other players—not straight up swaps.
The Flyers deal, I’m told, never went anywhere. I don’t know whether or not the Hawks have continued discussions with the Jets.
My source on the Flyers’ talks—again a very good source—told me there is/has been too much action with the Hawks to list in an brief email. Is it trade action? Internal discussions within the organization as to whether to make moves or not? I don’t know.
But . . .
I should have more to report soon.
JJ