The Chicago Blackhawks will apparently be big-game hunters on the blue-line market this offseason.
"I do know that (general manager) Stan Bowman and the Blackhawks are trying to add an elite-level defenseman," TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Tuesday's edition of "Insider Trading."
Carolina Hurricanes blue-liner Dougie Hamilton and Columbus Blue Jackets rearguard Seth Jones are the two most prominent defensemen available this summer.
The Hurricanes reportedly granted Hamilton, a pending unrestricted free agent, permission to speak to other teams to negotiate a potential extension. Carolina can trade away his rights prior to free agency. However, Hamilton could potentially re-sign with the Canes if he gauges the market and realizes they're making him the best offer.
The 28-year-old received down-ballot Norris Trophy votes in each of the last five years, finishing a career-best fourth place this past season.
Jones, meanwhile, reportedly told the Blue Jackets that he won't sign an extension when he's eligible. He has one year left on his contract with a $5.4-million cap hit before he's scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency.
The 26-year-old is coming off a rough campaign, but he also received down-ballot Norris votes for four straight seasons from 2017-2020, finishing as high as fourth place in 2018.
Those appear to be the only two high-profile D-men available this summer. However, it's possible more trade candidates haven't been made public.
In addition to Hamilton, the UFA defense market is highlighted by Alec Martinez, Tyson Barrie, Adam Larsson, Mike Reilly, Jamie Oleksiak, Alex Goligoski, and more.
The Blackhawks have eight notable defensemen under contract for next season: Duncan Keith, Calvin de Haan, Connor Murphy, Riley Stillman, Ian Mitchell, Adam Boqvist, Nicolas Beaudin, and Wyatt Kalynuk. Nikita Zadorov is also a pending restricted free agent. The team has $6.2 million in projected cap space, per CapFriendly.
Chicago finished sixth in the Central Division with 55 points this past campaign. The team possessed a league-average offense but allowed the seventh-most goals against.
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