Blackhawks Bidding for Talent

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Aug 4, 2005 7:10PM

With the NHL's new labor deal finally in place and the league's new financial structure known, teams are busy shopping for new talent. The Blackhawks intend to be active shoppers in coming days. They landed their first big-name free agent with yesterday's announcement that Adrian Aucoin signed with the Hawks for $16 million over 4 years. One of the most sought after free agents, Aucion is a defenseman who spent the past three seasons with the NY Islanders.

Today, the Blackhawks continued revamping their roster with the additions of Martin Lapointe and Jaroslav Spacek. Lapointe, a right winger, agreed to a three-year, $7.2 million deal while defenseman Spacek signed a 1 year deal for $2.25.

But is new GM Dale Tallon finished? There are rumors that he may make a big splash by landing former Tampa Bay goalie Nikolai Khabibulin -- the only elite free agent goalie available this off-season. While the Blackhawks are probably in the best situation in terms of salary cap available, does Khabibulin want to play for the Hawks? They've already been spurned by two other stars who took less money to play for legitimate contenders.