NHL Rumors: John Tavares to Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are interested in acquiring the New York Islanders superstar, John Tavares. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman says the Blackhawks are entered into the Tavares sweepstakes.

Friedman said:

They're not going to tolerate being that bad again, they're going to try something. I think they'll make a run at John Tavares too. I do, I think they'll ask, is there any way we can get him here?

The Blackhawks are under high pressure to make a major move to upgrade their team. Tavares would be a huge upgrade, as shown by these 10 minutes of John Tavares YouTube highlights.



NHL Free Agency officially begins July 1st, and John Tavares is the top unrestricted free agent. Could the Blackhawks afford to make a massive offer in Free Agency to Tavares?

The salary cap increases to $80 million next season, helping the Hawks. Marian Hossa's contract of  $5.275M is stuck on the books until 2021, hindering the Hawks. The Blackhawks will have to unload a contract or two to get enough cap space to pay John Tavares the greater than $10M per season salary he is demanding. Anything goes in Free Agency!