Report: Blackhawks interested in Coyotes' Vermette

The Chicago Blackhawks may look to the desert to replace their fallen star.

Arizona Coyotes forward Antoine Vermette has landed on the Blackhawks' radar as Chicago seeks to fill the void left by the potentially serious injury to Patrick Kane, reports ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

Vermette is not likely to be re-signed by the Coyotes, who have been trying to trade the center for a first-round draft pick and a prospect.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports Arizona may consider packaging Vermette with defenseman Zbynek Michalek in a trade.

Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said last week that the team has not been satisfied with the return they have been offered in trade negotiations for Vermette, forward Martin Hanzal and defenseman Keith Yandle.

Vermette has 13 goals and 22 assists in 61 games.