Blackhawks Could Buy Out Defenseman After Season.

The Chicago Blackhawks are back in the playoffs as they'll take part in the 24 team Stanley Cup bracket. For a couple of players it could be their final opportunity to prove general manager Stan Bowman they should be kept around. One of those players is likely Olli Maatta. The defenseman has arguably been a disaster since coming over from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He's earned some third pairing minutes but definitely hasn't lived up to his price tag. Paul Thompson of the Chicago Tribune believes he could be a trade or buyout candidate. Andrew Shaw and Brent Seabrook will likely hit LTIR next season and there likely won't be a big trade market for Maatta and his $4.08million AAV price tag, so a buy out is likely with two years left on his deal. The 25 year old has registered four goals and 13 assists in 65 games for the Hawks this year.