Heard from a top source this morning at length on the Trevor Daley/Rob Scuderi trade—the backstory and what it means going forward.
IT'S MOSTLY ABOUT MONEY
This was, as I set forth on the message board last night, a move primarily aimed at reducing salary commitment
"This gives Stan flexibility," the source told me, followed by saying Hawk GM Bowman is asking around the league about players, and about moves that would improve the defense and the first line LW situation.
SCUDERI WILL BE GIVEN A SHOT
Sometimes, a change of scenery is best for a player to thrive. Scuderi is not what he was 4-5 years ago, but neither is Michal Rozsival. Some will recall, my gut sense was the Hawks would go after a lefty shooting, more stay at home veteran. They have. The question is, how much Scuderi has left and will coming to Chicago give his game any kind of lift. "Q loves those kind of guys," the source said and "Scuds is excited about this. We'll see."
We will likely also see "more opportunity for Svedberg and Gustafsson."
DALEY DID WANT TO LEAVE—BUT THERE WERE NO HARD FEELINGS
The Hawks liked Daley personally and vice versa. He was struggling to accept limited minutes and had asked a few weeks back, in frustration, for a change of scenery. It was agreed then that the team would consider it, but in the meantime, Daley would be given the chance to play his way into a top 4 role. Daley had improved, but clearly, Bowman has been looking for some salary flexibility.
GARBUTT IS IN THE DOGHOUSE
"Q expects more from him, and he has been told his game needs to improve."
"MORE TO COME"
I was told this morning, when Bowman was spotted in Toronto recently, it was specifically to scout and inquire about one James van Riemsdyk. The Leafs declined to discuss their winger however. Still, the Hawks are being realistic about Scuderi—he might not work out—and they have been planning to give Gustafsson more chances anyway. Saving $1 million plus on Daley and then possibly losing some or all of Scuderi's cap hit could give the Hawks even more flexibility—and that the primary goal is to "upgrade 1LW."
The Hawks host the Avs tonight. I'll have a recap tomorrow.
JJ