Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman in Montreal for Canadiens versus Predators

With the NHL trade deadline closing in, Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman has taken matters into his own hands.

Bowman was reportedly in Montreal for the Canadiens versus Predators game Monday night, likely scouting potential trade targets.

Chicago is in position to compete for its fourth Stanley Cup in seven seasons and, with the right moves at the deadline, could propel itself to be the clear favorite. The Blackhawks are in need of depth at left wing (preferably someone to play on the top line) as well as on defense, where they’ve lacked depth all season.

So who, exactly, is Bowman there to see?

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun speculated last week that Montreal could be looking to deal a handful of veteran players, including left wing Tomas Fleischmann.

Fleischmann isn’t the hottest name on the trade block, but he could be a fit in Chicago. The 31-year-old inked a one-year deal with the Canadiens in September and has put up decent numbers this season, scoring 19 points in 55 games. Plus, at $750,000, he’s cap friendly.

It’s not for certain that Bowman is there to scout a Montreal player, but with Nashville right in the middle of the playoff hunt, the Predators are likely to be buyers, not sellers at the deadline.

Jonathan Toews joins TwitterBowman has had a magic touch at the deadline in the past, last year adding Andrew Desjardins in exchange for Ben Smith. He has until next Monday at 2 p.m. to make his next move.

Stats via Hockey-Reference