CHICAGO — The Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks and the Thrashers were awaiting NHL approval Wednesday on a multiplayer blockbuster trade that would send Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel and Ben Eager from Chicago to Atlanta.
Chicago also would send a prospect to Atlanta and acquire first- and second-round picks in this week’s NHL draft as well as forward Marty Reasoner and prospect Jeremy Morin.
The trade clears salary-cap space for the Blackhawks and provides more experience for the Thrashers.
Chicago’s Duncan Keith, who won the Norris Trophy on Wednesday night as the NHL’s top defenseman, said the Blackhawks had to start making changes even though the Cup victory was still fresh in their thoughts.
“There might be some more, and it’s not going to be fun,” Keith said. “Everybody is going to have to keep moving forward, and a lot of times that’s part of the business.”
• A few weeks after turning 40, Mike Modano is thinking about continuing his NHL career. If so, he might have to find a new team.
The Dallas Stars aren’t sure they want the greatest player in franchise history back for a 21st season. Modano considers that a clear sign he should start wondering how he’ll look in a new sweater.
“Just the fact it has kind of dragged on this long — there’s no conclusion to it — I figured there possibly could be a chance I’m not coming back,” Modano said.
• The Los Angeles Kings signed general manager Dean Lombardi and coach Terry Murray to two-year contract extensions through the 2012-13 season.
OU, Texas A&M courted by SEC
ARDMORE, Okla. — The president of the University of Oklahoma said his school and Texas A&M received invitations to join the Southeastern Conference during the last round of conference realignment.
Although Oklahoma ended up remaining in the Big 12, university president David Boren said the Sooners had offers from the SEC and the Pac-10.
“I’ll put it this way — we were well positioned for whatever worked out,” Boren said.
SEC spokesman Craig Pinkerton said he was “not in a position to comment” on what Boren said.
Boren said the Pac-10 offer was for five Big 12 schools — Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech — to join as a group. Because the SEC offer didn’t include two of the Sooners’ key rivals, Oklahoma State and Texas, Boren said he didn’t consider it a good option.
Footnotes.
University of South Alabama baseball coach Mike Kittrell, who has led the Jaguars to 18 NCAA Tournament appearances in 28 years, said he plans to retire after the 2011 season.
• The NCAA is considering whether to make icing a violation at all times during a game, including during penalty-killing situations.
• New England Revolution forward Taylor Twellman (concussion) has been placed on the injury list, ending his season.
• Angel McCoughtry had 29 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Atlanta Dream past the visiting Tulsa Shock 96-90 in WNBA play.
The Associated Press
