The Chicago Blackhawks have "serious interest" in Radim Vrbata and Dan Hamhuis of the Vancouver Canucks, reports TSN's Farhan Lalji. The Hawks are expected to be active buyers before the NHL trade deadline on Feb. 29 and appear to be casting a wide net for targets before then.
Vrbata and Hamhuis are considered two of the top players potentially available this month. With the Canucks struggling to keep up in the Pacific Division and the trade deadline looming Monday, it seems increasingly likely the team could consider moving some of its veterans -- Vrbata and Hamhuis are both free agents this summer -- rather than let them walk for nothing after the season.