Chicago reportedly willing to facilitate Zaitsev type trade with Pittsburgh

The direction of the Chicago Blackhawks became very clear recently when the team took on Nikita Zaitsev from the Ottawa Senators. The deal, in which the Sens simply got future considerations, essentially paid the Blackhawks a 2nd and 4th round draft pick to take Zaitsev and his salary off their hands. The move for Chicago is an admission that the team isn't competing this year (already established and not in 2023-24 either, barring some miracle. It's now being reported that the Hawks may be willing to take on another Zaitsev type contract if it means a chance to bolster their future.

"A source tells me that if the Penguins were to offer a Zaitsev-type trade for Kasperi Kapanen, the Blackhawks would take him off their hands," said reporter and podcast host Jay Zawaski. "The Penguins are seeking cap flexibility for this year and beyond."

Frank Seravalli is also reporting that the Pens are looking to move on from Kapanen, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone. Kapanen is under contract until the end of next season, and carries a cap hit of $3.2 million. Zaitsev's hit is higher at $4.5 million, so it may not take as much to get the deal done. Meanwhile, it's another opportunity for Chicago to stock the shelves for the future, while Pittsburgh gets the chance to add more at the trade deadline and beyond if possible.

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