NHL Trade Deadline: Chicago Blackhawks

February 24 2011 Last updated at 04:00 PM ET

The Blackhawks have two of the NHL's best defensemen in Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook -- but will be looking for more blue line help at the NHL trade deadline.

If they can afford it.

"When you look around the league, I think everybody has their comparable needs," said coach Joel Quenneville. "I think everybody likes to have depth on the back end. That's generally how everybody would like to improve their team."

Keith won the Norris Trophy in 2010 after he and blue line partner Seabrook helped the Hawks claim the Stanley Cup. They also played key roles as Team Canada won Olympic gold. But after that dynamic duo and Brian Campbell, the Hawks don't have much defensive experience as they try to defend their crown.

Unless they make a deal, Quenneville will have to depend on the likes of journeyman Nick Boynton, Niklas Hjalmarsson and rookie Nick Leddy. But the Blackhawks, forced to make trades in the offseason because of salary cap concerns, only have about $1 million and change to spend.

NEEDS

In addition to defensemen, Chicago could use more secondary scoring from forwards, as Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa are having slightly off years due to injuries. It would also help to find a replacement for Dustin Byfuglien, who was extremely effective in front of the net in the playoffs but was traded to Atlanta and returned to his old position of defenseman.

General manager Stan Bowman must also decide whether the club can rely on the goaltending tandem of veteran Marty Turco, who has struggled and rarely played back-to-back games in his first season in Chicago, and rookie Corey Crawford. But it's unlikely that Bowman can find a suitable alternative for the right price.

THE VERDICT

The Blackhawks will be modest buyers at the deadline. Chicago has its key players locked up on long-term contracts and does not have to worry about selling off anyone. In an ideal world, the Hawks would get rid of Campbell and his contract, which has five (!) more years to run at $7.142 million per. But nobody is in a position, let alone willing, to take him. Turco is the only pending unrestricted free agent of concern -- and that concern is slight.

It appears unlikely the Blackhawks will make major changes after last summer's gutting. The new players have taken a long time to mesh with the established veterans, and GM Bowman can't risk another significant disruption as his club remains near the playoff bubble.

Captain Jonathan Toews declines to discuss what it's been like to adapt to the numerous changes. He insists the Blackhawks have "moved on" since the numerous offseason transactions.

But if Chicago is to contend for another title, one or two more players will have to move on at the deadline.

where does the hudson river start where does yogi bear live who invented baseball who invented basketball