Dominator2005

http://www.hockeybuz...88#.UR6TYWfzeM0

A couple of rumors hit the old inbox yesterday.

Interestingly, they both point in the same direction as a couple of other things I heard a while back. The first had the Hawks considering a waiver claim on Wild forward Matt Kassian. The second had the Hawks talking to the Senators (yet again) about Chris Neil.

A couple of weeks ago, I heard the Hawks were kicking the tires on then waived Shark forward, Fraser McLaren.

So, yeah, there's a common theme here. Size, toughness, and much of that with the gloves off.

And before anyone assumes the Hawks are going to help the Senators fill their now huge hole on defense with one of their top 6 defenders, worry not. I am hearing the return for Neil would be a lower line forward—and that the Sens could sign former Hawk (and Sen) Chris Campoli before the weekend is out.

What does this mean for the Hawks? It could mean Brandon Bollig is headed back to Rockford, but honestly, that's not what I'm hearing. Rather, there is some concern that Jamal Mayers might not have that much left—a subject of some debate within the organization.

As with all rumors, some, all or none of this could happen. Lots of conversations and glances happen in the hotel bar before anyone goes up to a room together. But it does seem the Hawks are serious about adding some size and toughness upfront.
 

http://www.torontosu...offer-to-subban

HEAR AND THERE

Available by trade: Phoenix defenceman Keith Yandle, he of the long-term contract ...

Discuss

https://twitter.com/...957522926018560

Sabres waive Pardy to trim defense down to eight; Leafs waive Connolly ...

http://espn.go.com/b...y-trades-coming

One name -- and it may not be for Yandle or Ryan -- that keeps popping up when I talk to scouts around the league as possibly being available is Milan Lucic. However, Lucic recently signed a three-year extension for $6 million per season that starts in 2014, which might be hard to sell in the trade market. I'd also keep an eye on Andrew Ference as trade bait as his contract is up next season. I wonder with his heavy involvement in CBA talks and the NHLPA if Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs may not want to throw more money at him.