July 07--Salary Cap Watch 2015 continues.
When general manager Stan Bowman finally pulls the trigger on a trade or two to help the Blackhawks clear significant space under the NHL's $71.4 million salary cap for next season, it won't take long for some dominoes to fall.
At least two players are in holding patterns while waiting for Bowman to make his move(s), which likely will come in the form of trading Patrick Sharp and/or Bryan Bickell.
Restricted free agent Marcus Kruger decided not to file for salary arbitration and instead has kept negotiating on a longer-term contract with the Hawks. Had the center filed for arbitration, the maximum length of a deal would have been two years. According to Kruger's agent, J.P. Barry, Kruger "may have to remain patient" until the Hawks have enough room under the cap.
Meanwhile, unrestricted free-agent defenseman Johnny Oduya, who has drawn plenty of interest from other NHL teams, is biding his time until the Hawks have enough room to re-sign him.
As far as Sharp and Bickell, all talks went quiet during the Fourth of July holiday and they, along with their $5.9 million and $4 million cap hits, respectively, remain members of the Hawks.
Other than Oduya getting antsy and possibly taking another deal, there is little rush for Bowman to make any moves. The team can be 10 percent over the cap during the summer and doesn't have to be cap compliant until Opening night, Oct. 7.
