Report: Blackhawks shopping veteran Kunitz among others, several contenders putting in offers

Earlier today NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Chicago Blackhawks have been negotiating with the Edmonton Oilers and it’s believed that the Blackhawks are interested in acquiring forward Tobias Rieder.

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There were also rumblings they were talking to Chicago about something bigger and are trying to move Tobias Rieder to open some cap room. Whatever the case, it should be a smooth transition for Keith Gretzky, since he’d be part of the group working on these files.

The 26 year old Rieder has struggled with the Oilers this season, going goalless and putting up just nine assists in 36 games. He’s a two time 30+ point player though and has blazing straight ahead speed. Rieder’s one year, $2 million contract expires this upcoming offseason. 

In the same column, Friedman also reported that Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has received interest on veteran forward Chris Kunitz, with Friedman also reporting that the Calgary Flames seem to make the most sense.

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I think a few contenders (Calgary makes a lot of sense) are considering Chicago’s Chris Kunitz. It makes a lot of sense. 

Further to that, Friedman reports that forward John Hayden could also be on the trade block.

Another Blackhawk being watched is John Hayden. He’s had nine straight games under 10 minutes, and Drake Caggiula’s arrival affects his role. He’s got an edge, and someone else might see some value.

Whether or not any of these deals come to fruition or not remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Bowman is working the phones and trying to get some assets ahead of the February 25th trade deadline.