Report: Blackhawks' interest in Hamhuis "has cooled considerably"

Strap yourself in Canucks fans, it’s going to be a wild ride of rumours and intrigue up until Monday’s trade deadline.

Yesterday at 8:30am, TSN’s Farhan Lalji reported that the Chicago Blackhawks had “serious interest” in both Dan Hamhuis and Radim Vrbata.

The Blackhawks acquired Andrew Ladd later that evening, giving up prospect Marko Dano and a 1st round draft pick.

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The acquisition of Ladd likely kills their interest in Vrbata, who plays the same position. Chicago also gave up a lot of future assets for a rental player. Do the Hawks have anything left for Hamhuis?

According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the answer might be no.

CHI's interest in VAN D Dan Hamhuis has cooled considerably. At THIS moment, CHI focusing more on lower-level depth options on blueline.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 26, 2016

Could that change? Sure. Door not completely shut, but at this moment in time, that's the CHI outlook, FWIW. #tradecentre #TSN

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 26, 2016

For what it’s worth, a source that I believe, but cannot verify the validity of, tells me that Hamhuis would waive his no-trade clause to go to Dallas, Los Angeles, or Pittsburgh.

Does Hamhuis still harbour ill-will towards the Blackhawks? Did he use his no-trade clause to block a deal to Chicago? I wouldn’t blame him if he did.

Marian Hossa did this to him in the 2010 playoffs when Hamhuis was a member of the Nashville Predators:

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When he joined the Canucks in 2010, the Blackhawks were Vancouver’s fiercest rival.

He likely hasn’t forgotten Duncan Keith’s cheap-shot on Daniel Sedin (I know I haven’t):

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At this time of year, we should all be wary of reports that stem from teams using the media as pawns in this chess game. Did the Blackhawks leak their interest in Hamhuis and Vrbata to apply pressure on the Winnipeg Jets in their negotiation for Ladd?

We’ll never know.

Until then, enjoy the rumours, enjoy the intrigue. The trade deadline is three days away.