Blackhawks Daily: Buyout Candidates; Trade Rumors

The Stanley Cup Final sees an extension while NHL trade rumors swirl until something finally budges. I wrote about Valeri Nichuskin and how Pierre LeBrun doused that one. But whether it’s Mitch Marner, Martin Necas, or Jake Guentzel, how much more needs to be done in order? What about mining buyout candidates who could fill out the depth chart as well.

The buyout window doesn’t open until 48 hours after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final. But sometimes the value there is just as good as those in trades for a variety of issues. But trades certainly open the door most to find those players needed to take things to the next level.

A look back to when the Panthers dealt for Matthew Tkachuk almost two summers ago shows that it’s not always as clear cut as expected. Go ahead–read the responses. For as smart as we’d all like to think we are, sometimes the value doesn’t always reveal itself until later.

A massive trade in the @NHL! 🤯

Thoughts? 🤔 #NHLFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/MS4GUqDx89

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 23, 2022

But trades compose only some of the equations as buyout candidates can help build around and even provide relief. The Athletic included 12 of their top buyout candidates. Some of those names, including Jacob Trouba and Pierre-Luc Dubois. Have them on cheaper deals, especially the former, and there’s some value that also allows for wise–and more spending elsewhere.

There is no “right way” to build and canvassing the landscape shows that. But why not take a flier on guys who could help and do so in a much cheaper fashion without the added pressure they faced making the big bucks.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

Liam Greentree is someone that the Chicago Blackhawks could consider drafting with the 18th overall pick in the draft.

Trade Rumors look at a variety of names–some who the Blackhawks are going to avoid after doing due diligence

Stanley Cup Final Coverage From Florida Hockey Now

Connor McDavid said that the pressure is evidently off after the Oilers 8-1 blowout Saturday night. No offense to the generational star, but I still think the pressure doesn’t go until they roar back to tie the series.

The Florida Panthers will need to show the resiliency they’ve shown all season long to close out the Edmonton Oilers

Hockey Now Network

Detroit Hockey Now: Everything here at Chicago Hockey Now has been looking at who the Blackhawks should acquire. DHN’s Kevin Allen writes about three free agents the Detroit Red Wings should avoid this offseason–especially since they have a few rough contracts on the books.

Colorado Hockey Now: Chicago Hockey Now has looked at the players the Blackhawks should consider at #18. Evan Rawal analyzes the players that the Colorado Avalanche should be avoiding at #24.

Montreal Hockey Now: I’ve advocated that the Blackhawks shouldn’t sit at #18 unless a can’t miss arrives there. In Montreal, they’re arguing that the Montreal Canadiens need to trade up to snag a once “surefire” top-five pick.