"I would say we're trying to add players that we think can be part of our future," Bowman said on the "Blackhawks Insider" podcast Wednesday. "I don't think we're going to be looking for rental players who will be here a couple of months and having to give up some top, young assets to do it. We have a lot of [NHL] salary cap space, because we have several players on long-term injury, so we have the ability to take on some contracts this year if that situation presents itself."
Four players are on long-term injured reserve for the Blackhawks: center Jonathan Toews, who is out indefinitely because of a medical issue; defenseman Brent Seabrook, who announced March 5 he was ending his playing career because of an injury to his right hip, and forwards Andrew Shaw (concussion protocol) and Zack Smith (back).
The Blackhawks (14-11-5), who are fourth in the Discover Central Division, have remained in the Stanley Cup Playoff race with an abundance of youth. Forward Pius Suter, 24, is fifth among NHL rookies in scoring with 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in 30 games; forward Philipp Kurashev, 21, is 10th with 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in 29 games; and forward Brandon Hagel, 22, is 13th with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 27 games. Goalie Kevin Lankinen, 25, is 6-0-4 with a 2.85 goals-against average and .916 save percentage.
"Our best years are ahead of us going forward, so I think we want to make sure we don't trade out young assets unless you're getting a young asset back, someone that you think is going to be part of your future," Bowman said. "I don't know if you would call us a seller or a buyer. We're willing to do a little bit of both, but we're not going to sell off players we think have a future for us."
Bowman said trade talks have intensified of late.
"The way it is with most things, they usually come down to the deadline," he said. "You can talk all you want over the next couple of weeks, but deals tend to happen closer to a deadline. Not to say we're waiting for the deadline. I'm actively having conversations, but nothing is really near the finish line yet."
Toews, 32, has yet to play this season. Bowman said the Blackhawks captain is enjoying watching the young team evolve.
"He seems in good spirits and I know he's liking watching the team and the way we've come out to start the season," Bowman said. "I'm in the same category as everyone. We want him feeling great, not only to help our team but to be back to himself. I don't think he's not quite there, yet but hopefully he will be soon."
Bowman said he believes forwards Dylan Strome (concussion protocol) and Kirby Dach (right wrist), who are skating with the Blackhawks on the road, will be back soon. Strome has scored eight points (four goals, four assists) in 19 games; Dach has not played this season after he fractured his wrist at the IIHF World Junior Championships on Dec. 23 and had surgery five days later.
