Stan Bowman has pushed his chips into the pile.
The Chicago Blackhawks general manager is all-in for another run at the Stanley Cup, as evidence by the major moves he’s made to augment an already strong roster prior to Monday’s trade deadline.
Based on his comments Saturday, it seems he could be done dealing. But he also didn’t shut the door on the possibility of something else happening between now and Monday.
Already with the second best point total in the West right now, and coming off a Stanley Cup in 2015, Bowman -- get this -- likes the look of this team following the multitude of trades that landed them Andrew Ladd from Winnipeg, Christian Ehrhoff from L.A. and Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann from Montreal.
“I think the one thing you have to also look at is just the chemistry of the group, and I think the one thing we’ve been able to do here is we’re bringing back a player in Andrew Ladd, who we’re very familiar with,” Bowman said. “It’s like he never left in some ways. I just had a chance to talk to him, and I think the familiarity with the surroundings and the players and the coaches, that’s not really too difficult to bring him back.
“And Fleischmann and Weise have both played together for a lot of the time. So, there’s some chemistry there. So, we’ll look at what’s out there. I’m sure there will be more discussions [about other moves], but I really like the way this team looks right now, and we’re excited to get on the ice and play.”
Bowman said Fleischmann and Ladd have green cards, so no issues w/ them getting here. Weise may take some time. #Blackhawks
— Tracey Myers (@Tramyers_NHL) February 27, 2016
The Blackhawks are still without forward Marian Hossa, who was placed on injured reserve almost two weeks ago with a left leg injury. But he could take another step closer to a return when he hits the ice at the start of this week.
Hossa will skate on Monday. Crawford starts tomorrow. #Blackhawks
— Tracey Myers (@Tramyers_NHL) February 27, 2016
#Blackhawks lines at practice:
— Mark Potash (@MarkPotash) February 27, 2016
Ladd-Toews-Shaw
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Desjardins-Teuvo-Fleischmann
Mashinter-Rasmussen-Panik