Bowman ready to deal, but ‘there's nothing imminent'

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CALGARY, AlbertaStan Bowman said the talk between general managers has continued, but its not any more busy than it was before the All-Star break.

So if youre itching for trade action, relax. Not happening right now.

I think anyone who says theyre close to a trade is full of it at this point, Bowman said prior to the Blackhawks game against the Calgary Flames on Friday night. Theres just nothing happening.

Welcome to the parity era, folks, where every team believes its still in the playoff race even if it may not be. That will change as the Feb. 27 trade deadline nears. But Bowman, who reiterated that hes still looking for another defenseman, said theres nothing imminent on the horizon for the Blackhawks.

I talked to some GMs today and said, What are you hearing? They said, Nothing. Theres nothing going on other than teams looking to get players. Nobodys giving them up, Bowman said. Its a big logjam at this point. Until teams fall more out of the race, were not going to see anything happen.

So for everyone who wants to see a big move made ASAP after that dismal 8-4 loss in Edmonton on Thursday night, apply the brakes. Even if Bowman is ready to pull the trigger, nobodys ready to give him the bullets.

No, Bowman is not looking for a goaltender. While he admits the Blackhawks netminders could be betterCorey Crawford was pulled after allowing five on Thursdayhes confident that theyll rebound. Hes also not willing to make drastic changes.

Bowman will keep hunting for that defenseman. He knows its a weak spot for the Blackhawks right now and that there are a lot of discussions on how to improve. But as far as buying, Bowman is waiting patiently for the right seller to come along.

I like our personnel, Bowman said. Were trying to upgrade; its not like we have guys playing who cant play in the NHL. We have guys who can improve on their level of play. At the same time were trying to enhance our group instead of completely remake it. I think time will tell on that. There are a lot of teams looking for a defenseman, and you never know.

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