Report: Blackhawks “actively trying” to make a trade to free up cap space

According to a report from NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman is "actively trying" to trade injured forward Andrew Shaw's $3.9 million annual salary.

Shaw, of course, is retired for all intents and purposes, but because he still has a year remaining on his contract he has been placed on long-term injury reserve. His salary doesn't count against the Blackhawks cap, but the team doesn't get the full $3.9 million of relief by placing him on the IR, rather that amount accrues daily. So, the team gets about $10,000 per day in cap relief. Should they trade his contract though they'd immediately get $3.9 million in cap relief.

Don't be surprised if Bowman swings a deal with a salary cap bottom feeder like the Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks or Columbus Blue Jackets to get Shaw off the books.