Chicago Blackhawks Trade Rumors

Hawks acquire veteran Morrison
January 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"General manager Stan Bowman made a move Friday night to strengthen the Blackhawks up the middle when he acquired veteran center Brendan Morrison in a trade with the Flames. The Hawks sent minor-league defenseman Brian Connelly in exchange for Morrison, who has appeared in 923 career NHL games over parts of 14 seasons and could be the answer to the void at second-line center. "When you can bring a player of Brendan's caliber into your group, and you didn't have to really tear your team apart, is important for us," Bowman said. "(Morrison) having the experience and having the ability to play with skilled players gives us a lot of options. He has been a point producer in the past and he also"
Toews OK after taking puck to head
January 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"Sporting more stitches than your average quilt, Jonathan Toews was able to joke about giving the Blackhawks quite a scare after he was hit in the head with a puck. Toews suffered two cuts on his forehead when he was struck in the early going of the Hawks' 5-2 victory over the Blue Jackets on Tuesday night at the United Center. Teammate Duncan Keith's shot deflected off the skates of a Columbus defender and struck Toews in the helmet. The puck then ricocheted off the post and out of harm's way while Toews fell to the ice before eventually making his way to the dressing room."
Stan Bowman already has trade winds blowing for Blackhawks
December 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Ask Blackhawks players about their season, and they'd tell you, as if they're reading from the same cue card, that they can be better. For most teams, it's a version of coach-speak. But for the Hawks, who have the most points in the NHL and an 8-1-1 record in December, there's some truth to it. After a rough stretch, the Hawks' situation in goal has leveled off thanks to Ray Emery's emergence and Corey Crawford's improvement. After weeks of little production, the Hawks' depth players are starting to chip in more. And after some awful displays, the Hawks' special teams have found consistency. This is a team that's starting to play to its full potential. General manager Stan Bowman still has"
Seabrook makes Pittsburgh trip with Hawks despite injury
December 20
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Chicago Blackhawks got some good news Monday regarding the status of defenseman Brent Seabrook. A day after leaving the Hawks' 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Sunday night at the United Center, Seabrook will travel with the team to Pittsburgh for Tuesday night's game against the Penguins. Seabrook was injured during the first period when he was hit illegally from behind by the Flames' Rene Bourque and crashed face-first into the boards. The veteran was on the ice for several moments before slowly making his way to the Hawks bench and dressing room. After the game, coach Joel Quenneville said Seabrook, who has missed time on three different occasions with concussions throughout"
Bolland still nursing nagging injury
December 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Blackhawks were back at full strength when Dave Bolland participated in drills during Wednesday's practice. The center has been playing in games but hasn't joined teammates in many practices or morning skates since injuring his right foot Nov. 8 and was sidelined three contests. "It still hurts a bit during games and practices," Bolland said. "That comes with the nagging injuries. Sometimes those things go away and sometimes they don't. I just play with it.""
Seabrook still a maybe for Blackhawks
November 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Chicago Blackhawks hit the ice for practice in California prior to gathering for a team meal to celebrate Thanksgiving. Defenseman Brent Seabrook missed practice and is "possible" to play against the Ducks on Friday afternoon in the first of back-to-back games to close out the Hawks' six-game road trip. The veteran hasn't played since suffering a lower-body injury Nov. 13 when he lost an edge and slid skates-first into the boards during a game against the Oilers."
Seabrook, Frolik practice with Blackhawks
November 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"All Chicago Blackhawks were present and accounted for during Tuesday's practice at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Defenseman Brent Seabrook, who has missed three consecutive games with a lower-body injury, and winger Michael Frolik--sidelined two contests with a left shoulder injury--joined teammates on the ice for the Hawks' first practice after two off-days spent in Las Vegas. Seabrook was injured Nov. 13 against the Oilers when he lost an edge and crashed skates-first into the end boards. The veteran was paired with Duncan Keith during practice. Frolik has been out since last Wednesday after falling awkwardly into the boards against the Canucks in Vancouver. He split time on the third"
Despite losses, Blackhawks get a break
November 21
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"No changes were made to the Blackhawks' plans. At least coach Joel Quenneville wasn't about to announce any after two humiliating defeats in Western Canada. "I don't think there is a change right now," Quenne-ville said about heading to Las Vegas for a two-day break after bowing to the Edmonton Oilers 9-2 a night after losing to the Calgary Flames 5-2. Some R&R is nothing new for the Hawks during their long circus trip, and the Hawks stuck with the plan by not having a surprise practice Sunday or Monday. But can having a couple of days to think about what happened be good for the Hawks? "We'll continue to address what went on here and move forward," Quenneville said. "We're looking for"
Blackhawks GM in no rush to make deal
November 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"With $6 million to $7 million of space below the NHL's salary cap, general manager Stan Bowman has plenty of money to spend when the time comes to improve the Blackhawks. With the best record in the league, that time isn't now. "We're not in a rush to spend money," Bowman said before the Hawks' game against the Flames on Friday night at Scotiabank Saddledome. "It's really a bit of an oddity for us. In the last couple of years … we've been playing things day-by-day — literally — in terms of sending guys down and shuttling them back and forth. In an ideal world you would like to try to keep your guys here and have room if you do have injuries or if you have an opportunity to improve your"
Blackhawks recall Smith from AHL; Seabrook still out
November 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"Even in the midst of a four-game winning streak that has catapulted them to the top of the Western Conference standings, the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to fortify their team. To that end, the Hawks recalled forward Ben Smith from Rockford of the American Hockey League on Thursday. After playing in six regular-season games and then starring in the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Canucks with three goals in seven games last season, Smith was a candidate to make Hawks' roster to start. The 23-year-old suffered a concussion following an illegal hit from the Detroit Red Wings' Brendan Smith during a Sept. 29 exhibition game and ended up starting the season with the IceHogs."
Blackhawks move Michael Frolik to top line
November 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It was a matter of time, really. As good as winger Michael Frolik was in a checking role, coach Joel Quenneville eventually would want to see what he looks like among the top six forwards. With Quenneville predictably overhauling his lines and pairings after the debacle Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks, Frolik will get that look. "You don't mind making changes on a merit basis," Quenneville said. "Guys will get different opportunities and get a chance to enhance their opportunity going forward.""
Keith 'optimistic' he'll play Tuesday at St. Louis
November 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"Coming off their worst performance of the season, the Blackhawks were buoyed by the presence of defenseman Duncan Keith during practice Monday. Keith has missed three consecutive games with an upper-body injury, including Sunday night's 6-2 demolishing at the hands of the Canucks, but said he's "optimistic" he'll return when the Hawks kick off a two-game trip Tuesday night in St. Louis. "Things are definitely better than I expected," said Keith, who had been wearing a wrap on his left hand since being hit with a shot Oct. 31 against the Predators. "It's gotten a lot better. Practice (Monday) was good and I'm optimistic (Tuesday) that I can hopefully see what I can do.""
Duncan Keith may play vs. Blues; Quenneville alters 'D'
November 7
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Duncan Keith is ready to get out of the uncharted waters he finds himself in. After missing three games in a row with a finger/hand injury, the standout defenseman said he's optimistic that he'll play Tuesday for the Blackhawks against the Blues in St. Louis. Keith practiced for the first time with this teammates Monday after getting injured last week when he blocked a shot against the Nashville Predators. "It felt good to be back out," Keith said. "I was excited to be back out there with the guys and getting in some drills again. I haven't had really much time like that where you're sitting out and not playing. It's nice to get out on the ice again.""
Keith out for Thursday night's game
November 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"Playing without the services of their top defenseman as they begin a difficult stretch of the schedule isn't ideal for the Blackhawks, but that's where they find themselves with Duncan Keith sidelined with a hand injury. Keith will not be in the lineup when the Hawks kick off a two-game trip against the Panthers on Thursday night at the BankAtlantic Center. The veteran suffered the injury when he was struck in the left hand with a shot during the second period of Monday 5-4 overtime victory over the Predators."
Of new Blackhawks, Dan Carcillo grades out the best
November 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Of course, there are still things left for the Blackhawks to improve, starting with their power play. Coach Joel Quenneville will tell you that any day. But at 7-2-2, including a 5-0-2 record at the United Center, the Hawks had the successful opening month they needed, with a rough road schedule looming in November."
Hawks an astonishing 4-for-45 this season with a man advantage
November 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"The numbers are becoming cringe-worthy. After an 0-for-7 performance on the power play during their 5-4 overtime victory over the Predators on Monday night, the Blackhawks are now an astonishing 4-for-45 this season with a man advantage for—brace yourself—an 8.9 percent success rate. That ranks 29th in the NHL entering Tuesday's games, only ahead of the Blues' 8.3 percent."
Patrick Sharp off to strong start after appendectomy
October 31
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"By all accounts, it was a quiet game for Patrick Sharp. He won 4 of 7 faceoffs and had a plus-1 rating, but the Blackhawks alternate captain didn't have a shot on goal and sent four shots wide of the net. But perhaps the most notable stat from a largely less than noteworthy performance was the 20 minutes, 20 seconds he played in the Hawks' 5-2 victory Saturday over the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was the most minutes Sharp has played in nine games since playing 20:54 in the season opener. "It's not easy to jump right into it," Toews said of Sharp, who has had his own preseason after missing the Hawks' training camp while recovering from an appendectomy. "Even the first couple games of the"
Blackhawks' Leddy has 'a lot of upside to his game'
October 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"Nick Leddy scooped up the puck deep in the Blackhawks' zone, turned on the afterburners in open ice and weaved through three defenders before delivering a pass to Jamal Mayers, who scored. That play, which occurred during the Hawks' 5-4 shootout loss to the Avalanche on Saturday night, is exactly what the team envisioned when they handed Leddy a steady job midway through last season. "(Leddy) did a good job leading the rush," coach Joel Quenneville said of the scoring play. "It was a result of Nick carrying the puck, lugging it up. He's really progressing here.""
Blackhawks' Hossa could return Tuesday
October 17
NHL.com
 
"Marian Hossa missed another practice Monday at the United Center, but the Chicago Blackhawks hope to get the star forward back for Tuesday night's road game against the Colorado Avalanche. Hossa, who has an undisclosed upper-body injury, will make this week's two-game road trip to Phoenix on Tuesday and Colorado on Thursday before Chicago returns to face the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night. Hossa, 32, has now missed three practices and Saturday night's 3-2 loss in a shootout to the visiting Boston Bruins at the United Center. Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said this past weekend it was a minor injury and unrelated to the two shoulder injuries that kept Hossa out for extended time the"
Hawks send Brandon Saad back to OHL
October 13
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Blackhawks sent forward Brandon Saad to juniors after practice Wednesday. The Hawks assigned Saad, 18, to the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League after two games in the NHL. Saad, the 43rd selection in this summer's draft, had two shots in 13:05 in his NHL debut in the Hawks' 2-1 loss Friday to the Dallas Stars. "It's obviously an adjustment going from the preseason to the regular season," Saad said Wednesday before the move. "We have a great group of guys here and a great team, and they've helped me out a lot.""
Blackhawks recall goaltender Salak
October 13
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Chicago Blackhawks recalled goaltender Alexander Salak from the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs on Wednesday. That initially led to speculation that Corey Crawford, who sat the last two days to rest a lower body injury, might miss a third straight practice. However, Crawford, who started the Hawks' first two games as they split with the Dallas Stars, participated in a full practice at the United Center and said he "felt good" afterward. Crawford also said his two-day break followed a new injury situation that is separate from the groin injury that slowed him during the preseason."
Blackhawks' injury news encouraging
October 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"Things are looking up for the Chicago Blackhawks on the injury front. Despite starting goaltender Corey Crawford missing his second consecutive practice with a sore groin, Tuesday, coach Joel Quenneville anticipates the netminder will return to practice Wednesday and "should be alright" to start against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night at the United Center. "We had the luxury of this scheduling this week (with) the added days (off) to make sure we don't have to keep dealing with this and get it right," Quenneville said of Crawford's injury. "He's doing well, though.""
Bolland, Smith will miss Blackhawks' opener
October 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Chicago Blackhawks will begin the regular season banged up at the forward position as Dave Bolland and Ben Smith will both miss Friday night's opener against the Stars in Dallas. Neither player will make the trip to Dallas and Bolland, who has an upper-body injury, is hopeful to play in the home opener Saturday, also against the Stars. "We'll see how these next few days go," Bolland said following Thursday's practice. "You always wish you could stay healthy but little things can come out of nowhere. You never know what's coming for you next game or practice.""
Emery wins Blackhawks' backup goalie job
October 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Blackhawks went with experience over potential when they settled on veteran Ray Emery over rookie Alexander Salak for their backup goaltender spot. The 29-year-old Emery claimed the job behind starter Corey Crawford on Monday, signing a one-year contract worth a reported $600,000. The deal put an end to the most heated roster battle of training camp, one in which Salak, 24, outperformed Emery but still ended up being sent to Rockford of the American Hockey League. "We're in the fortunate position to have to make a difficult decision on two netminders that impressed throughout our entire training camp," general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. "Having both Ray Emery and"
Blackhawks pick Ray Emery for backup goalie
October 4
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It's hard to argue with those who believe the Blackhawks have been blessed in goal the last two years. Team brass might have been confident and comfortable with Antti Niemi backing up veteran Cristobal Huet two years ago and Corey Crawford behind Marty Turco last season, but no one could have projected the success Niemi and Crawford would have in their first full NHL seasons. No one foresaw Niemi going from an unknown backup to a Stanley Cup winner. And while the Hawks always have been high on Crawford, seeing him become a candidate for rookie of the year was a blessing at a time when the team needed some stability in net."
Quenneville OK with Blackhawks' response to hit
September 30
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Blackhawks' response to the scary hit on Ben Smith might not have been what fans wanted to see, but coach Joel Quenneville was OK with what happened with Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith. After Brendan Smith clipped Ben Smith in the head, leaving the Hawks forward motionless on the ice, Dave Bolland slashed the defenseman and followed him to the boards, where a minor scrum ensued. "There's not too much you can do," Quenneville said. "I think everybody knows that supplemental discipline is part of that. What else are you going to do? You want to be the one that's going next, and you're suspended as well?"
Blow to Smith's head latest challenge for NHL disciplinarian
September 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"Brendan Shanahan has been a very busy NHL disciplinarian. Since taking over the role of handing out punishment to players who commit illegal acts on the ice this season, the NHL senior vice president has made it his mission to clean up the game, with an emphasis on eliminating dangerous hits to the head. Shanahan's latest hearing was Thursday when he met with the Red Wings' Brendan Smith, who leveled the Blackhawks' Ben Smith with a shoulder to the rookie's head during an exhibition Wednesday night at the United Center. Shanahan to rule on the duration of a possible suspension Friday."
Blackhawk Ben Smith's status unkown after taking illegal hit
September 29
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It looked downright nasty. Five minutes into the third period of the exhibition game against the Detroit Red Wings, defenseman Brendan Smith hit Blackhawks forward Ben Smith in the head with his shoulder as Smith raced toward the goal. Ben Smith crumbled to the ice, where he lay face down for several minutes. A scuffle ensued, and Brendan Smith was ejected for exactly the type of hit the NHL is trying to eliminate "Both referees said that's a classic example of what we're talking about. That's the illegal hit," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "It was pretty black and white. I'm not happy about it.""
Hawks' camp competition fierce
September 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Just more than a week remains in Blackhawks training camp, and for players battling for the precious few open roster spots heading into the regular season, opportunities to impress the team's hierarchy are dwindling. After assigning Brett McLean to Rockford of the American Hockey League on Tuesday, the Hawks' camp roster stood at 31 active players. When the season begins Oct. 7 against the Stars in Dallas, the Hawks will carry 22 or 23 players, likely the latter number with winger Daniel Carcillo suspended the first two games of the season and forward Patrick Sharp completing his recovery from an emergency appendectomy."
Kane, Hossa set to make preseason debuts
September 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Two of the Chicago Blackhawks' most dynamic offensive players, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa, will make their preseason debuts Wednesday night against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center. Kane missed the first four preseason games while recovering from July 19 surgery on his left wrist to repair a scaphoid fracture. Hossa arrived late in camp after remaining in Slovakia following the death of close friend Pavol Demitra in the plane crash that took the lives of the KHL team Lokomotiv and then the birth of his daughter two days later."
Alexander Salak in awe of talent during Blackhawks training camp
September 20
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Forgive Alexander Salak if he has had some wide-eyed moments during Blackhawks training camp. The rookie goalie says it has been "amazing" to have the opportunity to prevent players such as Patrick Kane from scoring. "He is amazing. He's a really good player," Salak said. "There's amazing guys on this team. They're really talented and have really high skills. It's amazing what kind of players the Hawks have playing." Salak will get plenty of attention Tuesday as his battle with veteran Ray Emery for the backup job takes center stage when the Hawks face the Edmonton Oilers in Saskatoon, Sask. Both goalies will play. A former Swedish Elite League standout, Salak doesn't appear to be having a"
Blackhawks set roster for preseason opener
September 20
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Chicago Blackhawks announced their roster for the team's first exhibition game Tuesday night against the Oilers in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and it includes many of the prospects in training camp along with a sprinkling of veterans. "We have a lot of young guys playing our first couple of games," coach Joel Quenneville said Monday. "We'll get a look at most of these guys. We have a young lineup (Tuesday). It will be nice to see these guys play in an NHL game." Along with the youngsters, mainstays Jonathan Toews, Jamal Mayers, Viktor Stalberg, Steve Montador and other veterans also will make the trip. One key matchup to watch will be the battle for backup goaltender between Ray Emery and"
Lepisto happy to be on board with Blackhawks
September 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"While the Blackhawks were negotiating with restricted free agent Chris Campoli this summer, observing from a distance was fellow defenseman Sami Lepisto. The Blue Jackets had decided not to extend a qualifying offer to Lepisto, making him available on the open market. "I had a couple of offers right at the beginning and I was thinking about it," Lepisto said Sunday at training camp. "Then I heard Chicago might be interested, so I decided to hold on. I had a feeling if they couldn't get it done with Campoli (I'd sign there).""
Patrick Kane takes part in scrimmage for first time
September 19
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"atrick Kane looked like himself Sunday at Johnny's IceHouse West. He was stick-handling past defenders, putting pressure on opposing goalies and showing off his coveted offensive skills. As far as his surgically repaired wrist, it held up just fine in his first scrimmage during Blackhawks training camp. "I was thinking about it [Saturday] night," Kane said. "I had the two practices [during the first day of camp], one was like a half hour and one was maybe 25 minutes. I thought I needed to do more to get myself in game shape when I come back. That was pretty much the main reason I wanted to play. I talked to the doctor this morning. He said, 'Go ahead. ... If you feel any pain, stop.' That"
Kane 'pretty much' ready
September 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Not long after Patrick Kane got the go-ahead from doctors to participate in Blackhawks training camp, general manager Stan Bowman corralled the winger to tell him to take it slow when he hits the ice. "He wants to go full-tilt right away (but) we're going to play it cautiously," Bowman said. "He's eager to get out there and do his thing." Kane, who had surgery July 19 to repair a scaphoid fracture in his left wrist, visited doctors Thursday and is scheduled to skate with teammates for the first practice Saturday at the United Center. While he hasn't been cleared for contact, Kane will practice twice each day until he's ready to join the scrimmages. "I really have no limitations right now,""
Crawford out to prove he belongs in top echelon
September 14
Chicago Tribune
 
"Corey Crawford arrived in Chicago a week in advance of the opening of Blackhawks training camp carrying something he hadn't previously had to start a season: The team's No. 1 goaltending job. A year ago at this time, Crawford was concentrating on securing the backup job to veteran Marty Turco. This time around, after winning the starting job midway through last season and earning a three-year, $8 million contract, Crawford is developing the mindset needed to be a No. 1. "I'm just trying to prepare myself mentally for that," Crawford said. "It almost seems like you have to work harder and be a little readier when you're in that position. I still have to battle and I still have to work for"
Blackhawks' Bickell set to prove himself again
September 13
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Z-shaped scar on Bryan Bickell's forearm has earned the Blackhawks winger a couple of new nicknames. "It's kind of an interesting scar," Bickell said Monday. "People have been calling me Harry Potter and Zorro." The mark on Bickell's right arm is a remnant of the surgery he underwent April 25 to repair two tendons that were lacerated during Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Canucks when he was cut by the skate of Vancouver defenseman Sami Salo. Bickell missed Game 3 but returned for Games 4, 5 and 6 to help the Hawks roar back from an 0-3 deficit and force a Game 7 they went on to lose. Bickell wasn't around for that final game in Vancouver after realizing he"
Kane a little ahead of schedule in recovery from wrist surgery
September 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"The cast is off his wrist and the splint that followed will be removed soon. When it is, it will be all systems go for the Blackhawks' Patrick Kane. The winger said Monday he's "a little ahead of schedule" in his recovery from July 19 surgery on his left wrist and hopes to play in up to four of the team's exhibition games. Kane, who threw out the first pitch at the Cubs' game and later sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" with several Hawks teammates, said the splint will be removed Sept. 15. "After that I should be able to do pretty much everything," he said. "I've been skating and working out. For a while there, I couldn't go full equipment with the cast (on). Once I got the cast off,"
Blackhawks add winger Segal to the mix
September 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Chicago Blackhawks added another forward to the mix of players who will battle for jobs when training camp opens later this month as they agreed to terms with right wing Brandon Segal on a one-year contract Thursday. The 28-year-old Segal had five goals, five assists and 41 penalty minutes in 46 regular-season games with the Dallas Stars last season. He also appeared in 30 games with the American Hockey League's Texas Stars, finishing with seven goals, 10 assists and 38 penalty minutes during his eighth professional season."
Kane gets good news on wrist
August 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Blackhawks' Patrick Kane really only needed his doctor to answer one big question during an appointment Monday to assess his recovery from wrist surgery: Will he be ready for the upcoming season? "For the start of the season, no question at all I'll be 100 percent," Kane told the Tribune on Tuesday. "I actually asked my doctor that question and he said, 'You'll be ready way before that.' When you hear that, it's good news." Kane, who had surgery to repair a scaphoid fracture in his left wrist July 19, said everything is on schedule in his recovery and that he's hopeful to be ready for the beginning of training camp Sept. 15 — but acknowledged it's possible he could miss the start of"
Kane raises doubts he'll be ready for Hawks camp
August 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"It appears Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane's recovery following surgery on his wrist could take longer than first anticipated. Kane had surgery to repair a scaphoid fracture in his left wrist July 19, with a stated recovery time of six to eight weeks. General manager Stan Bowman said recently Kane was on track to be ready for the start of training camp in mid-September, but the winger seemed to indicate otherwise Tuesday when he told a Toronto radio station that he's targeting the team's regular-season opener Oct. 7 against the Dallas Stars for a return. "I went to get it checked out (Monday) and everything seems to be checking in right now," Kane told The Fan 590 in Toronto. "(It"
NHL policy change on substance abuse?
August 18
Toronto Sun
 
"The recent off-ice deaths of two NHL players could spark a change in how the league conducts its substance abuse and behavioural program. Commenting on the passing of New York Ranger Derek Boogaard and Winnipeg Jet Rick Rypien at the league's research and developmnt camp in Toronto, commissioner Gary Bettman told a wire service that he will soon approach the Players Association to study the current policy. Boogaard passed away in May after a mishap with alcohol and a painkiller drug. Rypien, who reportedly suffered from depression, died Monday and police will only say the circumstances were not suspicious. Both men had been in the program, which has helped many players with varied"
Lack of job openings puts Marty Turco's future in jeopardy
August 7
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Take a look at the remaining free agent goaltenders. You'll notice that Marty Turco(notes) is the most senior netminder available with 538 games played, right after the 224 by fellow unrestricted free-agent John Grahame(notes). Turco was signed by the Chicago Blackhawks a year ago to provide a veteran presence in front of Corey Crawford(notes), after letting Antti Niemi(notes) walk once his arbitration decision was announced. Crawford ended up usurping the No. 1 job from Turco, who played 29 games and finished with an 11-11-3 record, .897 save-percentage and 3.02 goal against average. It's now August 6 and Turco is still without a job. His agent, Kurt Overhardt, told us last week that his"
Blackhawks' Sharp signs 5-year contract extension
August 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"The signing of forward Patrick Sharp to a five-year contract extension Wednesday eliminated the biggest possibility for distraction facing the Blackhawks during the upcoming season. That is a relief for the veteran forward — and Hawks general manager Stan Bowman — as their focus will now be all about what happens on the ice when training camp begins in September. "As players you deal with a lot of outside distractions, and clearly your own contract is one of them," said Sharp, who inked the deal that will carry a salary-cap hit of $5.9 million per season beginning with the 2012-13 campaign. "As much as you try to block that kind of stuff out it's a constant battle. This was certainly going"
Blackhawks lock up Sharp with 5-year extension
August 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"The core is complete. The Chicago Blackhawks signed forward Patrick Sharp to a five-year contract extension Wednesday, adding the veteran to the team's core group of players with long-term deals that includes Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Marian Hossa. "Patrick is a very important member of our organization and we are looking forward to him being part of a core group that will be a contender for many years to come," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. "Over the last several years we have seen him develop into one of the game's elite players as well as a fixture in the community and we are proud to be able to announce this news"
Blackhawks cut Campoli loose
July 21
The Globe and Mail
 
"Add another unrestricted free agent to the list. In a bit of a new twist, the Chicago Blackhawks have walked away from restricted free agent Chris Campoli before his arbitration hearing was originally scheduled to take place on Aug. 3. Because the team and player had both agreed to part ways, they were able to speed the process up, speak with an arbitrator today and allow Campoli to be set free two weeks ahead of time. As a technicality, Campoli was "awarded" a $2.5-million deal, which Chicago then walked away from. In reality, that outcome was predetermined. "The decision was made to move the date up to today because Chicago likes Chris and didn't want him to be in a position where he"
Patrick Sharp not focusing on new deal
July 17
ESPN.com
 
"He's one of the most popular Chicago Blackhawks, if the crowds around Patrick Sharp at the team's annual fan convention mean anything. Sharp is entering the final year of a contract which pays him $3.9 million in 2011-12. Unless he has an unexpected drop-off in his game, he's due a raise after this season and already the questions are starting: When will a new deal be completed? "I don't have much to say about it," Sharp said. "I stated I want to stay here and hopefully the organization wants me to stay. Besides that, I'm not really going to focus on it. I'm just going to be the best player I can be and be a good teammate and those things kind of sort those things out.""
Blackhawks agree to terms with Frolik, Lepisto
July 15
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Chicago Blackhawks agreed to terms with restricted free agent Michael Frolik on a three-year contract and defenseman Sami Lepisto on a one-year deal Friday. The 23-year-old Frolik, who signed for a reported $7 million that would give him a salary cap hit of $2.3 million per season, had three goals and six assists in 28 games with the Blackhawks last season after being acquired from the Florida Panthers on Feb. 9. The winger also scored twice during the playoffs, including the first postseason penalty shot goal in franchise history in Game 6 of the Western Conference quarterfinals against Vancouver."
Blackhawks sign Klinkhammer, Richards
July 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Blackhawks have agreed on a one-year contract with forward Rob Klinkhammer and a two-year deal with goaltender Alec Richards. Klinkhammer made his NHL debut and lone appearance with the Blackhawks last season against the Stars in early December."