Post by IAMCAPER on Jun 18, 2004 11:52:25 GMT -4
BLACKHAWKS PURSUING CAPS TOP PICK.
CHICAGO DAILY HERALD: Tim Sassone reports the Blackhawks are "aggessively" talking to the Washington Capitals about their first round pick, first overall in this year's draft, which they'd use to draft Russian sensation Alexander Ovechkin. Assistant GM Dale Tallon told Sassone his club was making every possible effort to land the pick from the Capitals. There is now talk Capitals GM George McPhee is really interested in drafting WHL defenceman Cam Barker, whom the 'Hawks will likely draft if they fail to trade up in the draft. Tallon said his club isn't the only one interested in the first overall pick, and it's believed the 'Hawks would try to move several of the four second round picks they presently own to the Caps. Of the 'Hawks current roster, it's believed Tuomo Ruutu is the only player they wouldn't offer in such a deal.
Spector's Note: The 'Hawks apparently want to use Ovechkin as the franchise player to win back fan support in the Windy City. However, the Capitals also want to improve their declining attendence and could use Ovechkin in the same one. I'll still be very surprised if the Caps move their pick or select somebody other than Ovechkin, and McPhee may simply be testing the trade market to see what's out there. If the 'Hawks were to offer up a strong package, however, the possibility exists of a swap.
This article was taken from Spectors on friday, June 18th.
CHICAGO DAILY HERALD: Tim Sassone reports the Blackhawks are "aggessively" talking to the Washington Capitals about their first round pick, first overall in this year's draft, which they'd use to draft Russian sensation Alexander Ovechkin. Assistant GM Dale Tallon told Sassone his club was making every possible effort to land the pick from the Capitals. There is now talk Capitals GM George McPhee is really interested in drafting WHL defenceman Cam Barker, whom the 'Hawks will likely draft if they fail to trade up in the draft. Tallon said his club isn't the only one interested in the first overall pick, and it's believed the 'Hawks would try to move several of the four second round picks they presently own to the Caps. Of the 'Hawks current roster, it's believed Tuomo Ruutu is the only player they wouldn't offer in such a deal.
Spector's Note: The 'Hawks apparently want to use Ovechkin as the franchise player to win back fan support in the Windy City. However, the Capitals also want to improve their declining attendence and could use Ovechkin in the same one. I'll still be very surprised if the Caps move their pick or select somebody other than Ovechkin, and McPhee may simply be testing the trade market to see what's out there. If the 'Hawks were to offer up a strong package, however, the possibility exists of a swap.
This article was taken from Spectors on friday, June 18th.