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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 /

player. 109. . LW/C. Carolina Hurricanes. Eric Staal. 3

If the Blackhawks want to fix one of their biggest issues, they could pursue versatile wing Eric Staal from the Carolina Hurricanes. A trade for Staal and Liles would fix virtually all of the Blackhawks problems and make them as strong as they were last year when they won the Stanley Cup. Staal is listed as a center but he is also a very capable wing.

If the Hawks acquire Staal, they could use him as their first line wing alongside fellow two-way players Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa or they could use him as a third line center. That could give the Blackhawks three legitimate scoring lines entering the playoffs, which is a very scary thought for the rest of the Western Conference.

Staal has nine goals and 21 assists for 30 points this season in 50 games for the Hurricanes. He has at least 20 goals in his last nine full seasons (including 18 in 48 games during the lockout shortened 2012-2013 season). His 7.0% shooting percentage in 2015-2016 is below his career average. He will likely see that return to something closer to his career average of 10.7% by the end of the season.

Staal’s salary would be quite difficult to fit under the salary cap if paired with Liles. However, it could be done if they do some fancy cap maneuvering. Never rule the Bowmans out of getting what they want.

Next: 2. James van Riemsdyk

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