Blackhawks must look at other options as Parise, Suter sign with Wild

Share

The Minnesota Wild caught the two biggest free-agent fishes on Wednesday. Now the Chicago Blackhawks, among other teams who were vying for either Zach Parise or Ryan Suter or both, will be looking to be part of the trickle-down effect.

Suter and Parise both signed 13-year, 98-million deals with the Minnesota Wild today, as first reported by the Minneapolis Stars Michael Russo. That means big money for them, and probably the same for remaining free agents who will now look to collect their share of the pie.

Matt Carle is one of the bigger free agents remaining. Bobby Ryan and Rick Nash have been mentioned in various trades. Considering the deals handed out for defensemen thus far, Carle could be cashing in on a massive payday. The Blackhawks may not want to get caught up in that.

Trades wont be ruled out. A source said that the Blackhawks were looking at Jay Bouwmeester as the calendar turned to July. The Calgary Flames have nine defensemen including Bouwmeester, who has two years remaining on his current contract (at a 6.68 million cap hit per season).

The bidding wars were fierce for Parise and Suter. Theyre likely to be the same for remaining free agents, but at a decidedly faster pace.

Stay tuned.

Contact Us