Source: #Blackhawks and Capitals have had dialogue about possible trade involving Patrick Sharp.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) February 28, 2015
Could it be?
Could the Caps be so bold as to acquire a clutch player and proven Stanley Cup leader as Patrick Sharp? If so, what might it take to get him before Monday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline?
Sharp, 33, has two more years and $10.5 million remaining on his contract with the Blackhawks. In 49 games this season he has 10 goals (seven of them on the power play), 22 assists and is a minus-13.
He is clearly having an off-year, especially when measured against last season when he piled 34 goals, 44 assists and a career-high 78 points for the Hawks.
Which begs this question: Why, after losing Patrick Kane for 12 weeks, would Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman be interested in moving Sharp? Does he think this season is the beginning of the end for Sharp’s production?
And if Sharp is moved, whom might the Blackhawks want in return? Joel Ward, who is in the final year of his contract? Former Blackhawks right wing Troy Brouwer, who has one year and $3.75 million left on his deal with the Capitals and is 29 years old?
Maybe the Hawks are interested in Mike Green, who is in the final year of his contract and would look pretty good on a blue line that just added Kimmo Timonen.
No matter who you throw into the mix, the thought of the Capitals adding a player with Sharps’ experience and offensive potential is worth getting excited about -- especially after seeing the way the Caps have played in their last three losses.