The Chicago Blackhawks have already traded away Patrick Sharp and Brandon Saad, but that hasn’t prevented Bryan Bickell’s name from popping up in recent trade rumors. The Blackhawks may still look to free up cap space and Bickell’s annual $4 million cap hit may just be large enough for the organization to attempt a trade.
Does Bickell think he’ll be moved? Does he want to move?
Bryan Bickell on #Blackhawks trade rumors: "I hope it’s not me. I love this city, I want to be here for my career.”
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) July 17, 2015
Bickell also spoke with CSN Chicago and stated that he doesn’t feel a trade is coming.
“I feel like I’m staying. I don’t feel like I’m leaving. I feel comfortable and I’m sure they feel comfortable with what I bring to this team and what I need. I don’t want to say I’m replaceable but hopefully I can stay. I’m looking to come here for training camp as a Blackhawk, and hopefully I can stay that way.”
Whether or not Bickell is traded likely hinges on how the Blackhawks want to handle Marcus Kruger and what type of return interested teams might offer. Kruger is currently a restricted free agent and needs a new deal. With the Blackhawks maintaining only about $230,000 in cap space (based on General Fanager), the team will have to do something to clear up space in order to squeeze in Kruger.
