Greasing The Wheels #3: Zubrus For Seabrook

According to the Chicago Daily Herald, the Blackhawks "have been asking clubs what they might be able to offer for defenseman Brent Seabrook in hopes of snaring a No. 2 center." Did somebody say No. 2 center?! The Caps have one that could be on the move. How does Dainius Zubrus for Seabrook sound?

What Chicago needs: Everything other than a No. 1 rightwing. But apparently they're willing to start with a No. 2 center.

What Chicago gets: A No. 2 center.

What Washington gets: Seabrook, a former #14 overall pick, "[o]wns a nice combination of size and skating ability," "[h]as plenty of offensive upside and could emerge as a power-play quarterback down the road." As an added bonus, the Caps just drafted his little brother last June.

Recent trade history: In November of 2002 the Caps sent Andrei Nikolishin and Chris Simon to the Windy City for Michael Nylander (hopefully the Hawks aren't still bitter about that one). Earlier that year, the Caps had sent Joe Reekie to Chicago for a pick.

The Bottom Line: The 'Hawks are likely looking for someone who's already signed through at least next year, but if they're convinced that they can sign Zubrus to a long-term deal (or if a sign-and-trade can be pulled off over the weekend) and they're ready to move Seabrook for a No. 2 center, this deal would seem to fit the bill.