Let’s talk today about where Patrick Sharp may end up in the next week to ten days. First things first, here, courtesy of thefourthperiod.com, is a list of Blackhawk NTC and NMC clauses.
No Trade Clauses (can’t be traded without waiving)
Bryan Bickell (limited; details unknown) Brent Seabrook (limited; details unknown)
No Movement Clauses (can’t be traded or waived—without waiving clause)
Corey Crawford Niklas Hjalmarsson (limited; details unknown) Patrick Kane Duncan Keith Patrick Sharp (limited; details unknown) Jonathan Toews
My understanding is, Sharp has to submit a list of 8 teams he would accept a trade to. Bottom line, when a time like this rolls around in a player’s career, typically, it’s all a negotiation, and at the end of the day, he will waive if it looks like he’s going to a good situation.
So that goes into any assessment of where Sharp might end up. What kind of market is it? What kind of team/organization is it? What would Sharp’s role be?
The other factors would include, obviously, the other team’s cap space and potential return to the Hawks—and what that time’s on-ice needs are.
I’m not an oddsmaker. I have many vices, gambling isn’t one of them. But I feel confident to lay some odds here.
THE FAVORITE
Florida Panthers, 2-1
All the elements of a deal are here. This was a team on the cusp of the playoffs this past season—but needed more scoring. In a large, exciting market. And it doesn’t hurt that the GM loves Sharp, traded for him once. Oh, and one of Sharp’s best friends is Brian Campbell. The Hawks are going to want a pick(s) or a prospect or a young player in return. Florida has these in abundance. And they have the cap room to take on Sharp.
THE SECOND TIER
Columbus Blue Jackets, 4-1
This was also a team that was close—and needed more scoring last year. There were also rumors of discussions with the Jackets about Sharp before the trade deadline. Columbus has cap room and picks/prospects to deal. Would Sharp waive to go to Columbus? Hard to say, it’s an underrated place to live and he would arguably be the King of the sports community—well next to Urban Meyer.
Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-1
It’s fair to say, Patrick Sharp brings many of the attributes to the ice that Mike Babcock wants as he re-shapes one of the league’s oldest, proudest franchises—in arguably the toughest NHL media market. Would Sharp want the spotlight and the pressure? I think he would. Plus, Toronto is a short hop by plane from Sharp’s hometown of Thunder Bay, ON.
Montreal Canadiens, 7-1
A lot of the ingredients are here. Former Hawk Assistant GM Marc Bergevin has long been known to like Sharp’s game. The problem for the Canadiens is cap room.
Calgary Flames, 7-1
Another underrated market to live in, and a team on the rise that can use what Sharp brings. The Flames have boatloads of cap space and are regular dance partners in trades with Chicago.
NY Islanders, 8-1
They could use Sharp and have the cap room, another bubble/first round team loaded with talent and in need of a boost to reach that next level. I’m not sure the Isle would be on Sharp’s list, but you never know.
THE LONGSHOT
Arizona Coyotes, 20-1
This a cap floor team that is also in need of help everywhere but on its top defense pair. In fact, I would not be surprised to see the Hawks look to Arizona as a destination for Bryan Bickell for the above reasons. Further, a nice return for Sharp might be Chicago native John Moore, whose style and left-handed stick fit the Hawks’ needs this summer like a glove.
THE DARKHORSE
Winnipeg Jets, 13-2
Again, there is an undeniable Chicago connection here with GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, and players Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd and Michal Frolik. The Jets have cap room and a need upfront. Winnipeg is also a short jump to Thunder Bay. The issues here would be does Sharp waive for a market like the ‘Peg? And is there anything to past rumors of a rift between Sharp and Ladd?
Are there other possible destinations? Sure. I've heard Detroit mentioned, but I'm not sure Sharp is what they need. So this seems to be the list of possible contenders for now, all things considered. We should know more soon, and I’ll relate it as I hear it.
JJ
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