NHL Rumors: Blackhawks stars not available, Leafs should consider trading Zach Hyman, and more
Anthony Scultore
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When the Blackhawks traded Brandon Saad and let Corey Crawford, and Drake Caggiula walk, many were upset. “We prepare ourselves to win a Cup for our fans. I’ve never been told that we were going through a rebuild,” Jonathan Toews said as he voiced his frustrations. “That has never been communicated to me, for that matter. A lot of this comes as a shock because it’s a completely different direction than we expected.”
NHL Rumors: Blackhawks top players not available
Things were smoothed over in the last few weeks with Hawks GM Stan Bowman claiming they weren’t going anywhere. He was talking about Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook.
In a new article by Scott Powers, it sounds like some may have tested that statement and were rebuffed. According to his source, “I believe them when they say they’re not going to.”
Powers goes on to ask his sources which of the four would be the most attractive. The answer…Patrick Kane. As far as a return, it sounds like an easy #1 pick and a top prospect. The source also admitted Kane is not going anywhere.
Leafs should trade Zach Hyman?
The Leafs are loaded with great talent, but simply can’t keep them all. 28 year-old forward Zach Hyman will be a UFA next summer, and will make substantially more than the $2.25 million AAV he makes now.
Should the Leafs move him at the trade deadline and maximize his value? That’s what James Mirtle and Jonas Siegel debated at The Athletic. While they both think keeping him is what the Leafs should do, they acknowledge that Hyman has a great opportunity to test the market.
So would you sign or trade Hyman? That’s what Kyle Dubas will have to figure it by the trade deadline.
At least NHL and NHLPA talking
While there hasn’t been much to discuss the good news is that after a week of not talking, the NHL and NHLPA are in contact. The expectation starting to build around hockey circles in NHL training camps opening after Christmas, possibly past New Year’s.