Toews and Kane

- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN reported that Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are close to signing contract extensions. LeBrun is tossing a two-week window for their respective extension to be signed.

- Chris Kuc confirmed the news that the Blackhawks are close to signing Toews and Kane, and that an announcement could come very soon. He also reports that Duncan Keith is close to singing an extension as well.

Red Rising’s Take: We know the potential end of the season situation of Toews, Kane and Keith all too well. It’s hard not to get excited the more press the story receives. Locking up the big three before the end of the season will ease so many minds in the organization and the fan base.

I have no doubt in my mind that Stan Bowman will do whatever it takes to keep Toews, Kane and Keith in the organization. If the news comes today or further down the road, the task of creating salary-cap space for next year is immanent. Kris Versteeg, Patrick Sharp, Dustin Byfuglien and Cam Barker are all candidates to be moved at the end of the season.

- Tim Sassone is on a mission to convince his readers that Stan Bowman is on the verge of trading for a center to replace the injured Dave Bolland. He mentioned the name of Matt Cullen, currently of the Carolina Hurricanes. Sassone believes Cullen is the type of player Bowman would target in a trade – a reliable veteran who a contract that expires at the end of the season.

Red Rising’s Take: It looks like Andrew Ebbett might not be the answer to replace Bolland to center the second line – he was scratched from the lineup Sunday vs. the Sharks. The Blackhawks will look to fill the role internally. Sassone’s right though in one aspect, if the organization were to trade for a replacement it would be veteran center with an expiring contract.