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www.the-rink.com • 55 Years Old • Male
I had to rub my eyes when I read Tim Sassone's column at 1:30 this morning. Was it a dream? Was I hallucinating? Had I had one too many glasses of Barolo earlier in the evening?

The Blackhawks are serious contenders to sign Peter Forsberg.

Checking elsewhere, I read more. Yes, the Hawks have made a strong, multi-year offer for the 34 year-old, oft-injured superstar center. And he is considering taking it, along with offers from 2-4 other teams.

There are two sides to this discussion.

First, why would the Hawks want Forsberg, whose ankle and foot problems of the last two seasons are well-documented? Because if he's healthy, as rumored, he might still be one of the top 5 players in the game. He's a leader and a proven winner. Simple as that.

The other issue is, why would he want to come to the Blackhawks who are clearly out of the playoff picture this season? What follows are the Top 10 reasons why he might.

10. He rejected an overture from Detroit, in spite of his buddy Nik Lidstrom's presence and a clear shot at a Cup this year. So it ain't all about a Cup run this year or hangin' with fellow Swedes.
9. The Hawks are a team, maybe THE team, on the rise. Foppa probably won't have his game back to 100% 'til next year. He will be under no huge pressure to deliver at 100% this season in Chicago. In fact, he could be a part-time player.
8. Sorry Philly, Vancouver, Denver. Chicago is one of the top cities and media markets in the WORLD.
7. United and SAS have direct non-stops from O'Hare to Stockholm. Think that doesn't matter? Try getting from Vancouver to Sweden sometime.
6. No one currently wears the C above the Indianhead. Hmmmm.
5. Foppa has never played for an original Six Team
4. Denis Savard's system should suit him well. He won't be asked to trap or play left-wing lock.
3. Forsberg doesn't have to carry all the scoring burden in Chicago: Martin Havlat, Pat Kane and Jonathan Toews, even Patrick Sharp, are all legitimate threats in their own right.
2. The Hawks have the most cap room of any team in the bidding, and they are believed to be offering up to 3 years.
1. He could very likely play on a line with Patrick Kane. Together, they would put up unbelievable numbers and be something AMAZING to watch, as they are arguably the two best sets of hands on the planet. And believe me, Forsberg has to be thinking about that possibility.

Might not happen. But it makes more sense than some might think. Stay tuned.

JJ
Filed Under:   Blackhawks   Forsberg   Vancouver   Flyers  
February 10, 2008 9:42 AM ET | Delete
Hopefully this article wont get trashed by Flyer fans. Good piece.
February 10, 2008 10:12 AM ET | Delete
no way :X
February 10, 2008 10:35 AM ET | Delete
8, 5, 4 and 3 all apply to the Red Wings, and you better believe he could play with some pretty good players there. I still think he goes to Philly, and if not then to Ottawa to play with Alfredsson.
February 10, 2008 10:58 AM ET | Delete
Forsberg has already stated (through his agent) that only 3 teams are in consideration -- Philly, Colorado, and the Canucks. If that's true, then....
February 10, 2008 11:29 AM ET | Delete
Chicago is building a team, not looking for a short term fix. Forsberg is a short term lift. Chicago has the pieces to start a mini dynasty within themselves, so I cannot see Denis Savard adding Forsberg as a piece or even entertaining it really. He's far smarter than that.
February 10, 2008 11:36 AM ET | Delete
Forsberg being a part time player???do you know anything about peter forsberg's work ethic and pride?
February 10, 2008 11:37 AM ET | Delete
I read about this somewhere else nice job man... but i agree with mojo world... Chi is building and could use something more on the lines of a long term player rather than a quick "fix"...I really think he will end up in Philly if he does come back... not saying that just b/c I like the Flyers but, because there are so many reports saying he will only play for Philly
February 10, 2008 11:37 AM ET | Delete
Forsberg isn't one of the top five players when he's not injured. He is 34- 35 ish after all, and is always injured. I'd take a risk with him because you don't need to lose something to get him. However, I don't think he's going to Chicago. Brigh future, but Forsberg, at this stage in his career, can't wait too long.
February 10, 2008 11:39 AM ET | Delete
Still not close to 100%, apparently eyeing next year as a comeback per Spector this AM. Has already rejected Detroit per Tim Sassone this AM. I DOUBT he'll sign with the hawks. But there IS a multi-year offer from tallon that he IS supposedly considering.
February 10, 2008 11:40 AM ET | Delete
thanks for that preface vancanuck
February 10, 2008 12:44 PM ET | Delete
rdfred - Dreger said Ottawa was still very much in the mix.
February 10, 2008 12:52 PM ET | Delete
He might want to be a part-time player for the rest of this year if he's not 100% (which supposedly he's not according to Spector, who also doubts if Forsberg will be coming back at all due to the problems he apparently still having).
February 10, 2008 1:04 PM ET | Delete
Interesting points, but like most people, I see him going to Philly if he does come back, 10. Rumor has it, Forsberg said he would have felt like a trader playing for Detroit9. Columbus and St. Louis appear to be more on the rise than Chicago8. Last I checked, Forsberg doesn't have a daily or weekly written publication or a television program7. According to Southwest, I can fly from Denver to SeaTac for $59 each way6. Sounds like Chicago needs someone in the room to step up and be a leader ane earn that C 5. Foppa has never played for 27 NHL teams4. Forsberg has always been a guy who plays better with traffic and guys on him3. Is anyone really expecting him to carry the scoring burden anywhere he goes?2. 3 years battling for 13th in the conference may not be the best selling point1. I would kind of like to see Forsberg and Kane play together :)If he goes anywhere it will be Philly. But I like where your head's at
February 10, 2008 6:07 PM ET | Delete
I'm gonna take issue with your comment that St. Louis and Columbus are "more" on the rise. If either team had the injuries the Hawks had this year, they'd be the worst teams in the NHL. The Hawks' two best players are still using Oxy 10, will get a lot better, and their prospect pipeline is probably richer than the other two. I know, I've researched all of their systems for Hockeys Future. I do like Leclaire and wish the Hawks had their version of him, but the Hawks have 3-4 young d-men better than anything Columbus has.
February 11, 2008 1:55 PM ET | Delete
Asquaredx2: Who is Dreger...a player agent? I would place more credibility in what Forsberg's agent has said than what some self-important media mediocrity has to say. Having said that, minds can change and he could end up anywhere..or nowhere.
February 11, 2008 1:56 PM ET | Delete
don't see it happening. The blackhawks have tried time and time again to overpay to get players but they just don't seem to want to go to Chicago. Maybe with the new management it will be different but I still would'nt hold my breath.
February 11, 2008 7:16 PM ET | Delete
Dreger is Darren Dreger from TSN
February 11, 2008 10:28 PM ET | Delete
pat kane already has the best set of hands in the world? not so sure about that quite yet...dont think forsberg will end up in chicago but it would be interesting to see, that is for sure.
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