Scott Powers of the Athletic has reported that the Blackhawks are in contract talks with so to be Restricted Free Agent Ville Pokka. Pokka was acquired by the Blackhawks in the Nick Leddy trade back in 2014.
Since joining the Blackhawks, Pokka has been languishing away in Rockford. Despite being the top defensive prospect for several seasons, Pokka has not seemed to crack the NHL lineup. While Pokka excelled with Finland last year in the World Cup of Hockey, the Hawks did not have room for him last year.
At the trade deadline there were rumors swirling around that Pokka could be another change of scenery guy like former Hawks prospect Mark McNeil.