Got an extensive breakdown overnight of much (though not necessarily all) that the Hawk front office is working on ahead of a big game with the Rangers tonight:
Hawks at Rangers 8PM Eastern/7PM Central NBC Sports/TVA
Look for Lundqvist and Crawford in the nets.
OK, now that that's over with, here goes, from more possible to less:
HIGH POSSIBILITY
TORONTO:
"This one is a possibility."
Toronto might be willing to take on Bryan Bickell's contract (I also heard this from Leaf blogger Mike Augello, and there has been Leaf scouting in presence in Rockford of late.)
The Leafs might be willing to take Bickell along with a prospect (like Ryan Hartman, who the Leafs really like) and a mid round pick, in exchange for Colin Greening and Leafs prospect Stuart Percy. The Hawks would likely buy Greening out next season.
"Keep an eye on Toronto."
EDMONTON:
As I reported here a year or two ago, when he was with Tampa, winger Teddy Purcell has been someone the Hawks have liked for awhile. He is a pending UFA.
"High probability for the right price. Talks ongoing."
WINNIPEG:
Andrew Ladd, Ben Chiarot. Hawks are in the mix. "Ladd makes sense on SO many levels. However, Winnipeg still would like to re-sign Ladd and their asking price in trade is still high, but negotiations continue." The Hawks will face fierce competition from LA, and others. This is a case where "Stan might be willing to pay more, since Ladd knows Q's system and would fit Chicago like a glove."
GOOD POSSIBILITY
PHILADELPHIA:
"Here is one of the surprises: The Hawks asked about Brayden Schenn." Schenn was UNAVAILABLE. Also, Michael Raffl and D Evgeni Medvedev. Medvedev is very intriguing. He is a pending UFA, a big and mobile defenseman who is also a very good friend of Artemi Panarin. Talks are ongoing. "Good probability."
ARIZONA:
As first reported here many weeks ago, the Hawks are targeting Mikkel Boedker, but I also heard the name of defenseman Nicklas Grossmann. "It finally appears that Phoenix has begun truly shopping Boedker, and Hawks are very interested."
CAROLINA:
The Hawks have asked about Viktor Rask and Ron Hainsey. The Hawks have not asked about Eric Staal—his contract doesn't work. Nor have they asked about Jeff Skinner at this time. Carolina wants to hold on to Rask, but Hainsey could be a real possibility.
MIDDLING POSSIBILITY
CALGARY:
Jiri Hudler, Kris Russell. Calgary is so far looking for too much in return. "Talks continue."
BUFFALO:
Jamie McGinn, Mike Weber. These two fit needs and both are pending UFAs. Buffalo hasn't moved much on these talks.
MONTREAL:
Jacob De La Rose, Greg Pateryn. "For those dreaming of Pacioretty, forget it." Hawks have almost daily communication with Marc Bergevin.
OTTAWA:
D Patrick Wiercoch. "Mid-level interest."
VANCOUVER:
D Matt Bartkowski. "UFA cost effective. Depth defenseman."
UNLIKELY BUT ALLEGEDLY HAS BEEN DISCUSSED
ISLANDERS:
Brian Strait. "Besides being a UFA, this one doesn't jive. Not likely."
NEW JERSEY:
John Moore, and David Schlemko. "Not likely"
I will have more as I hear it.
JJ