Brent Sopel

- There has already been much speculation into which player(s) the organization might move in order to create cap space next year because of the NHL’s ‘tagging’ rule. Brent Sopel’s name has been brought up in rumors more then any other Blackhawk. Pierre LeBrun of ESPN suggests that the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a potential trade partner, and a second-round draft pick would be necessary to sweeten the deal.

- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun reports that the Blackhawks had scouts at a couple Toronto Marlies (Maple Leafs farm team) games this weekend, and that ‘Hawks assistant general manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff, was at the Leafs-Capitals game Saturday.

- Moments ago on Twitter, Darren Dreger of TSN wrote that the Blackhawks have presented a couple trade options to Toronto and other teams – Sopel and a prospect, or Sopel and a draft pick.

Red Rising’s Take: I have longed for the day when Sopel would be traded. He has played well for the Blackhawks this season, and this could be the best time to move the defenseman while his stock is up. Moving Sopel would clear cap space on next year’s payroll, which would allow the Blackhawks to finally announce the contract extensions of the big three.

In the past I wrote that the Blackhawks should do whatever it takes to get rid of Sopel and his $2.333M cap-hit. I feel less strongly about that statement right about now. Throwing in a second-round draft pick in a deal with Sopel might be too much for what the organization would get in return – possibly a veteran with an expiring contract – but if the rebuilding Maple Leafs are the eventual trade partner that might be the only way a deal gets done.