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Report: ‘Hawks could strike deal with Vegas ahead of expansion draft

Arizona Coyotes v Chicago Blackhawks

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 05: Trevor van Riemsdyk #57 of the Chicago Blackhawks shoots against the Arizona Coyotes at the United Center on April 5, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Coyotes 6-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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There are going to be all sorts of creative trade ideas floated ahead of the expansion draft, and one of them appears to involve the Chicago Blackhawks.

According to TSN’s Frank Seravalli, the ‘Hawks may “allow” the Vegas Golden Knights to select defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk in the draft, as long as the Knights also take forward Marcus Kruger in a trade.

The ‘Hawks cannot reasonably protect van Riemsdyk anyway, what with Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, and Niklas Hjalmarsson requiring protection. But the ‘Hawks could try to trade van Riemsdyk to a team that could protect him, assuming they could find one.

Kruger is signed for two more years at a cap hit just north of $3 million. The 27-year-old forward has a good defensive reputation, but his offensive upside is limited.

Related: Why a flat salary cap is possible this year