Chicago Blackhawks Trade Rumors

2011-2012-nhl-hockey-trade-rumors

Trade rumors continue to surround the Chicago Blackhawks for the 2011-2012 NHL offseason. The Blackhawks traded Brian Campbell for Rostislav Olesz from the Florida Panthers. Campbell is an elite puckmoving defenceman and Olesz is a left winger who has plateaued at 30 points in the NHL. The Hawks did not get fair value back so why the trade?

The Blackhawks objective in the trade was to dump salary. Campbell has a $7.14 million cap hit and Chicago was trying to trade him since last season to free up space. The Panthers do not mind overpaying Campbell because they need to reach the salary floor. Marian Hossa, who is 32, has a cap hit of $7.9 million and is another player the Hawks are looking to move. They feel he underperforms in the playoffs and is injury prone.

Look for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, and Colorado Avalanche to make a trade for Hossa in the 2011-2012 NHL season.