Blackhawks, Shanahan talking
TheFourthPeriod.com
The Chicago Blackhawks have contacted unrestricted free agent Brendan Shanahan and his agent Rick Curran about the possibility of joining their team, TFP has learned.
Shanahan, 39, has received interest from a number of teams, but would prefer to remain close to the Northeast.
According to sources, Shanahan and Curran are done speaking with teams and will spend the rest of the week determining which organizations offer the best situation.
Blackhawks senior advisor Scotty Bowman has spoken to Shanahan about what Chicago has to offer, while Hawks GM Dale Tallon has contacted Curran.
No offers have been exchanged, although Shanahan is expected to receive a one-year contract worth in between $1.5 million to $2.5 million.
The St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins are among the clubs pursuing Shanahan. Sources tell TFP, however, that Shanahan is not interested in signing with the Blues.
Once Shanahan has determined which team he would like to join, the two sides are then expected to iron out the details on a contract.
Meanwhile, it was reported earlier today that Tallon would contact the New Jersey Devils to check their interest levels in Nikolai Khabibulin now that Martin Brodeur will miss three to four months with an injury.
Tallon denied to report, saying that he is not actively shopping Khabibulin. He did, however, admit that he's more than willing to entertain calls for the veteran goaltender.
From the Editor: The Blackhawks are very interested in bringing in a leader like Shanahan, and he's apparently interested in the prospect of playing in Chicago. The problem he's faced with is that his family will remain in New York during the season and he wants to play close to home. However, with many teams close to the cap, Chicago might be his best option. The Hawks would need to clear a little bit of space, but that isn't expected to be a major concern. A decision would be made in the coming days. Meanwhile, as far as Khabibulin's concerned, the Hawks like their goaltending situation and Tallon's in no rush to make a trade. Keeping Khabibulin, however, might take them out of the Mats Sundin sweepstakes... unless Sundin tells Chicago he wants to sign with them and then the Hawks will need to push a move.
