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The Chicago Blackhawks are scouring the league in an attempt to plug a Patrick Kane-sized hole on the roster.

Already believed to be looking to the desert with an eye on Antoine Vermette, Chicago also has significant interest in Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson, according to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Atkinson is an impending unrestricted free agent who carries a cap hit of $1.15 million. Due to the serious injury suffered by Kane and his placement on long-term injured reserve, the Blackhawks have some money freed up to acquire rental-type players.

Worth noting that getting a forward doesn't preclude #Blackhawks from getting a defenseman, too. Lot of cap relief for rentals. — Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) February 26, 2015

In 55 games, Atkinson has scored 13 goals and added 11 assists with 152 shots.