Forsberg intrigued by Hawks' interest

OK, this is no joke.

According to an NHL source with inside knowledge of the situation, the Blackhawks are among a handful of teams still in the picture to sign Peter Forsberg.

According to sources, Forsberg likes the direction the Hawks are going and he is intrigued about the possibility of playing with talented rookies Jonathon Toews and Patrick Kane.

Hawks general manager Dale Tallon did not want to comment extensively on the Forsberg situation.

"We're in the mix," was all Tallon wanted to say Saturday morning.

Tallon has had discussions with Forsberg and his agent, Don Baizley.

Hawks scouts are watching the 34-year-old Forsberg skate daily in his native Sweden. Forsberg, who has recorded 871 points in his 697-game NHL career, hasn't played all season because of chronic foot and ankle problems.

A league source admitted the Blackhawks remain a long shot to get Forsberg, especially if the veteran center is aiming to land with a Stanley Cup contender. The NHL signing deadline is Feb. 26, and Forsberg has told his hometown club he wants to return to the NHL.

Those clubs still believed to be in the hunt for Forsberg are Colorado, Vancouver and and Philadelphia.

Forsberg, who won two Stanley Cups with Colorado and was the league's MVP in 2003, hasn't played more than 60 games in a season since his MVP season with the Avalanche.