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NHL Trade Rumors: 5 moves Chicago Blackhawks should make

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks players pose for a team photo with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks players pose for a team photo with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

John-Michael Liles. 4. player. 109. . D. Carolina Hurricanes

While the Chicago Blackhawks are inevitably looking at acquiring their old friend Kris Versteeg from the Hurricanes, they should take a nice look at defenseman John-Michael Liles. He would be an upgrade to their second or third pairing over what they have right now. Liles likely wouldn’t be a great fit on the Blackhawks second pairing because he’s quite similar to Niklas Hjalmarsson. They’re both traditional defensemen who do not excel at moving the puck.

Liles is a stay at home defenseman who has been great his entire career at suppressing shot attempts. That is something that the Blackhawks have struggled a bit with lately. Liles would give them a strong left-handed option and he is capable of handling himself in the offensive zone. Acquiring Liles would help to stabilize their blue line and give coach Joel Quenneville another option come playoff time.

The Blackhawks could acquire both of them for a second round pick or for a solid prospect. The Blackhawks have a number of young prospects just out of college who they could include in the deal. Acquiring both Versteeg and Liles would go a long way to helping them solve two of their biggest flaws.

Next: 3. Eric Staal

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