Kypreos: Blackhawks dangling Patrick Sharp in search of centerman

The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly dangling Patrick Sharp in an attempt to fortify their center-ice position, per Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos. 

"Sharp is out there right now," he said on Sportsnet 590 The Fan. "And we’re going to continue to hear some big names that are available."

The Los Angeles Kings owned the Blackhawks up the middle during the Western Conference final while Sharp was relegated to a third-line role at times throughout the postseason. 

The Blackhawks are desperate for a center that can play behind superstar Jonathan Toews, and Sharp represents an exemplary trade chip. 

Under contract long term at a reasonable figure, Sharp is a seven-time 20-goal scorer, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and an Olympic gold medalist that can fit into any top six league-wide. 

Names are thrown around loosely these days, but trading Sharp might be the only way Chicago can match wits with Los Angeles down the middle.