Blackhawks GM Bowman could trade draft picks for role players

• Reprints

Hawks general manager Stan Bowman says defenseman Nick Leddy should get an expanded role next season. | Rich Lam~Getty Images

Updated: June 24, 2011 2:15AM

When the NHL Awards wrapped up in Las Vegas a year ago and the league and media descended on Los Angeles for the draft, the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup-winning roster already had lost a top player.

Dustin Byfuglien’s trade overshadowed the awards, and trade talks intensified during the draft as general manager Stan Bowman worked to make the salary cap.

This year, as everyone knows, is different, especially with the salary cap officially at $64.3 million and the Hawks having money at their disposal. But that doesn’t mean Bowman is going to be shy when it
comes to pulling the trigger on deals today or Saturday at the draft in St.  Paul, Minn.

In a conference call this week, Bowman didn’t hide his willingness to move the 18th overall pick, the Hawks’ only first-round selection.

‘‘We’re in an interesting spot,’’ Bowman said. ‘‘It’s an opportunity for us this year being in mid-range. It gives us a few more options.’’

Bowman might be just trying to stir up more conversation. But why not? The Hawks have five picks in the first 80 selections, the future of some their restricted free agents is up in the air, and there already have been major trades. The 18th pick could intrigue teams, especially ones willing to part with veterans
in hopes of bolstering their pipelines during what some consider a
deep draft.

The Hawks are built to win now with a young core that’s locked in for years. And while the Rockford IceHogs floundered last season, there are still prospects in the system
who are on the verge of being NHL players.

In other words, expect Bowman to seriously engage in trade talks again this year with the goal of possibly adding role players with experience.

‘‘You can’t hope for newly drafted players to make an impact,’’ Bowman said. ‘‘We’re not bringing
everybody back. You have to bring in some new players, and we’re going to look to do that.’’

Bowman named Marcus Kruger, Brandon Pirri and Kevin Hayes as the Hawks’ best center prospects, even saying, ‘‘I expect [Kruger] to be a contributor on the Blackhawks next year.’’

He also said defenseman Nick Leddy should get an expanded role next season after an erratic rookie season.

The Hawks also won’t draft to fill organizational needs.

‘‘For us this year, we don’t really have a position we’re focusing on,” Bowman said. ‘‘In the past, we’ve tried to build depth at different positions. Going into this draft, I’m pretty comfortable with where we’ve been over the last couple of drafts.’’

That also could mean Bowman is more willing to part with picks. A deep draft pool helps.

‘‘I’ve seen a number of the players play, and they do project to be excellent pro players,’’ Bowman said. ‘‘We’re fortunate to have a number of picks in the first three rounds, which is where most of the top players come, in those first 80 or 100 picks.’’

NOTE: Winnipeg is expected to name Claude Noel its head coach, passing over Hawks assistant Mike Haviland. Noel, who coached the Winnipeg-based Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League last season, and Haviland were the finalists for the position.