Rumor: Blackhawks and Avalanche Discussing Huge Deal

Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has 5 days to decide if his team will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. The Blackhawks have a few pending UFA players that are attracting a lot of interest leading into Monday's deadline.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman wrote in his 31 Thoughts column that he believes that the Colorado Avalanche have checked in on Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford. The Blackhawks are in the unique position of having two number one goalies in Robin Lehner and Corey Crawford both becoming UFA's at the end of the year. Stan Bowman has a difficult choice to make on which goaltender to try and keep, chances are at least one walks away this summer. NBC Sports wrote that the Hawks would consider packaging Brandon Saad along with one of their goaltenders to sweeten their return.

The Colorado Avalanche have the cap space to easily add both Saad and Crawford if they choose. A return may include the Avalanche's 1st round pick, Tyson Jost and a top AHL prospect(Conor Timmins or Martin Kaut). Saad would be a great replacement for recently injured Av Mikko Rantanen. Saad is signed for one more year after this and is a multiple time Stanley Cup Champion. The Avalanche have been linked to several goaltenders leading up to the post season. They have been linked to Carey Price(MTL) Henrik Lundquist(NYR) both of whom have full no-trade clauses.

Avalanche GM Joe Sakic is poised to make a huge splash at the deadline, it seems they have many possible deals on the table.