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Just got deluged with a spate (yes, a spate) of rumors from sources in Canada and Chicago.
Let me qualify this, in response to some "guy" on Twitter (with all of 44 followers) who tweeted yesterday that the rumors I share here are all absolutely false. And I have to typically put this in a blog about once a year.
GMs have lots of discussions. I would guess about 1 in 25 of those discussions become actual trades. If you don't think scouts, coaches, agents, players, even maintenance personnel aren't aware of or overhear some of these conversations, I have a bridge I want to sell you. If you don't think some people share them with bloggers or writers or reporters, you're wrong.
But rumors, typically, are just overheard conversations. Typically, those deals don't happen. Or at least not in the exact form passed along. Often, I have heard about the Hawks kicking the tires, for example, on a veteran Swedish defenseman in one conference (Niklas Wallin) only to deal two weeks later for a veteran Swedish defenseman from another conference (Kim Johnsson).
What rumors tell you is a team is up and talking and sometimes point to what they're trying to do, if not the exact player and team.
So, if you have a huge issue with that, don't read 'em. Or just lighten up. Francis.
BICKELL
Heard from a third source, the Hawks would move him for the right deal.
PROSPECTS
Danault, McNeill, Morin and others are all rumored to be on the block.
JAGR
The Hawks, I'm told (as I was told by a separate source last year), are intrigued by him as a rental.
LADD
Was told again today, the Hawks are interested in bringing him back to Chicago. Have been since November.
LEDDY
Was told today that the Pittsburgh Penguins have expressed interest. No indication whether the Hawks would deal him.
McDONALD
Hawks, among other teams, are said to be sniffing around the Islander defenseman.
Now, cue the Twitter flames in 3-2-1 . . .
All for now,
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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