The Chicago Blackhawks could be one of the most active teams heading into the trade deadline. The Hawks seemed on the verge of a major turnaround. But the club has unfortunately fallen back to Earth. Chicago is now back in the cellar of the Central Division, riding a six-game losing streak.
That situation has prompted plenty of speculation regarding what the Blackhawks’ trade deadline plans will be this season. But given the team’s current trajectory, there shouldn’t be much to think about.
According to Blackhawks insider Scott Power, there won’t be much guessing as to what the Blackhawks’ trade deadline plans will be. He wrote:
“The Blackhawks weren’t likely to be buyers at the trade deadline before their series of injuries, and they’re definitely not going to be after all those. With Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar out, the Blackhawks’ season is spiraling downward and they’re likely back into the draft lottery discussion. Between a number of expiring contracts and a continued effort to build from within, the Blackhawks won’t be acquiring anyone of note this season.”
The comments, as penned in a December 27 piece in The Athletic, underscore just how much the team remains in a rebuild. So, fans shouldn’t expect a major addition. Rather, the Blackhawks could be looking to move out some pieces.
Blackhawks Impending UFAs Could Be First to Go
The Chicago Blackhawks have several impending UFAs this season. As such, these players could be the first to go at the trade deadline. Forwards Jason Dickinson, Ilya Mikheyev, and Sam Lafferty could be interesting depth pieces for other clubs around the league.
Meanwhile, blueliner Connor Murphy has been the most talked-about trade target for the Blackhawks. Also, veteran Matt Grzelcyk could also draw some interest from teams thin on the blue line.
The plan, as Powers noted, will be to continue developing from within. So, the Blackhawks could be targeting more draft picks and prospects who could become pieces in other trades down the line.
There are no deals imminent at the time of this writing. But then again, things can change quickly. There is some separation beginning to emerge between the contenders and the pretenders. Thus, the animal spirits could return to the trade market sooner rather than later.
Chicago May Keep Some Impending UFAs
The Blackhawks, nevertheless, may not necessarily dump all of their impending UFAs. The most notable case would be captain Nick Foligno. Foligno has been a mentor for rising superstar Connor Bedard. That’s why the Blackhawks may want to hold on to the veteran winger.
Additionally, Grzelcyk could be another blueliner who remains in the team’s plans moving forward. At 31, he still has enough of an upside to where the Blackhawks may want to keep him as a stabilizing presence.
The biggest question mark, however, could be Laurent Brossoit. The netminder has returned from surgery and seems healthy to play. Thus far, no teams have made overtures regarding a potential trade.
That situation could change soon. Otherwise, the Blackhawks may have to keep the veteran goalie until his contract expires at the end of this season.
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