Blackhawks Trade Rumors: Saying No to Nichushkin

Another day, another article on Chicago Blackhawks trade rumors roundup which continue to have an ember here or there. This one includes a new name and looks at some of the old.

But it’s not only trade, but potentially just going to the free market, too.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that Martin Necas is very much on the radar for the Blackhawks and that building around Connor Bedard will be the main focus in the offseason. But the curious one comes from Colorado, where a prominent name rose up and was batted down just as quickly by LeBrun.

Blackhawks Trade Rumors Involve Valeri Nichushkin As Well

The 29-year-old forward still has six years left on his deal, and is currently in the league’s player assistance program. Understandably, LeBrun reported that the Blackhawks, if indeed interested, looked at what transpired and left it alone. Nichushkin is suspended until at least the middle of November, which from the hockey side of things, doesn’t help the roster they’re trying to fix. The other part of it, of course, is the human element with him working things out in the assistance program.

While he’s playing in a Russian league per Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now, there seems to be just too much there for the Blackhawks to take on as they try to escape a rebuild. Rawal hints, however, that there’s a possibility Nichushkin doesn’t suit up for the Avalanche again. That is another bit that shows why the Blackhawks would pass on a deal.

Which makes sense. After all, the organization had its embarrassment with the Corey Perry incident, which mushroomed into speculative and false rumors along with Perry eventually being released. Davidson and the front office will not only do their due diligence, but distance themselves from anything that could potentially morph into an issue.

But the other part is the term of the deal extends for another six seasons.

So it brings us back to the beginning. Jake Guentzel can be had for a mid-round pick and while many think he wants an eight-year deal, the Blackhawks have the cap space to give some money as a sweetener to get shorter term.

No one knows what the heck to make of Mitch Marner, who could or could not be leaving Toronto with a year left on his deal. Patrik Laine is also in the mix and wants out of Columbus–and could possibly record those eye popping numbers he had once upon a time in Winnipeg.

Especially if he lines up next to Bedard.

Plenty to watch. But it sure feels more and more that something will be happening once the Cup Final concludes and draft day arrives.

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