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Suter Rumors Grow

June 20, 2012, 4:48 PM ET [294 Comments]
John Jaeckel
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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I have heard definitively on this subject in the last 36 hours from two sources: both very close to various actors in this drama, including Ryan Suter himself.

It would be premature to call the Hawks favorites for the premier FA blueliner this summer.

It would also be wrong to rule them out.

And as more and more information comes in, it is becoming apparent that the Hawks—most likely if they can shed some additional cap space between now and 7/1—will make a run at Suter and Suter will be at least somewhat, if not very, receptive.

I had a long blog on this a few weeks ago that, quite frankly, was based mostly on my own knowledge of Suter's background and some anecdotal evidence that his family are Hawk fans, etc.

This morning, I heard from a quality source that he personally was told by Suter (albeit a number of months ago) that he'd like to play in Chicago.

Could that have changed since then? Sure. But I don't see why.

What I am hearing from multiple sources is that Chicago's proximity to Suter's hometown (and offseason residence) in Madison, WI will weigh heavily into his decision.

Another source, very close to Suter, had this to say yesterday. "He has a long list of teams he's going to look at (including Chicago). They (the Suter family) all love the Hawks, but ultimately it's going to be what Ryan feels is best for his family."

And no, he has not completely ruled out the Predators, either. But the geography of Nashville will work against the Predators, as Suter comes from a large and close-knit clan centered in SW Wisconsin— not the easiest place to get to from Nashville.

Both sources have said they believe the Hawks will not try to equal the dollars offered by other clubs like Detroit or Minnesota, but rather make a competitive offer in terms of dollars and term, while extolling the benefits of Madison being roughly a 2-hour drive (or less) from Chicago's N/NW suburbs (where many players live), the superior endorsement opportunities of the nation's third largest media market and a young, yet clearly proven core.

I heard last week—and this has since been corroborated by numerous sources— that the Hawks have been shopping D Niklas Hjalmarsson. One strong rumor from a top source had the Hawks talking to Ottawa about Hjalmarsson for C Zack Smith and a draft pick, a deal that would net the Hawks $2.8 million extra cap room to go with $8 million or so they already have. Hjalmarsson's name has also been linked to the Rangers, Columbus and Buffalo. I have also heard that the team would like to lose Michal Frolik's $2.3 million cap hit, though that is less likely.

Understand, though, while technically, the Hawks might be able to squeeze a Suter contract in without dealing Hjalmarsson, dealing Hjalmarsson would likely happen before 7/1, giving the Hawks some room to make another move or two early on in free agency. Yet , if the Hawks were to deal Hjalmarsson before 7/1, they would then need to hit on Suter (or have a couple of very solid Plan B's in place).

So . . . perhaps where this story next unfolds is whether the Hawks announce a deal in the next ten days involving the young Swedish blueliner. Or Frolik. Or maybe someone else. From there, you can connect at least some of the dots.

It doesn't mean Suter shocks a lot of people and pulls on the Indianhead 7/1. But it could indicate that is still a strong possibility.

For the record, as often discussed here, the Patrick Kane trade rumors are heating up again—at least in the media— with a couple of hockey media types saying in the last few days Kane could be on the market.

My feeling on this has been that Kane has been quietly, "unofficially" on the block for weeks, and likely will be unless the Hawks get off to a really strong start in 2012-13 . . . or the Hawks get a suitable offer..

I'll have more on these and other stories as I hear them,



JJ
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