(AP)Chicago, IL It must have taken 30 phone calls, dealings with a half dozen GMs, but the Chicago Blackhawks have moved one of their big five. The one that was jettisoned was sniper Marian Gaborik.
"Yes," said GM Bachul. "Pending league approval, the Chicago Blackhawks have consummated a deal with Anaheim to send Marian Gaborik to the Ducks. We appreciate Marians two season's of service and he was a big part in both very successful seasons in the Windy City. With the salary cap as it is, you can't keep a team of superstars together. Marian is making a good dollar, but we also have to consider that not only is the cap staying put, it could go down a titch or two. And if it does, we would be in a world of cap trouble."
Bachul also spoke of the negotiations. "Well, everyone talked about our prices being expensive. In my honest opinion all those guys are trying to spread smoke all around. I said it, and was willing to do it. I would play a fourth line and bottom pairing of all rookies before I took less than full value on a superstar player. Seems to me that these GMs that think you will give them a piece that they are going to use to beat you for nothing. Well, they are mistaken. Looking at UFA, guys are going absolutely bonkers, a guy like Gaborik at $5-7 million for the next five years is going to be an absolute steal in a cap world."
Bachul talked about his dealings with Rob Ives. "Rob was a tough negotiator. He grinded and grinded us, knowing we are over the cap...or were over. He is a good GM. Ultimately though, common sense ruled the day. We talked frank, and I said, Rob, if you want a superstar, you have to give me something. I like Benn, I like Hjalmarsson, but those are bit players. I need a guy in return that COULD, and I say COULD, turn into something. We talked about a ton of players, and we were looking at both Turris and Filatov. I could be the crazy one, and possibly picked the wrong guy, but I told him that Filatov was the deal breaker. Rob finally decided that he had enough trying to buy a winger in FA of the quality of Gaborik, and decided to move one of his good young pieces."
So coming to Chicago are Nikita Filatov, Jamie Benn and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Draft picks were also exchanged. There has been some suggestion that the Hawks aren't done and meaningful negotiations are ongoing with an Eastern team for one of their puck moving blueliners.
