We are only one week away from the trade deadline (March 7), and as many questions surround what will happen during the deadline frenzy, just as many questions remain about the Chicago Blackhawks themselves.
Even though the Blackhawks harbor more questions than answers at this moment in their rebuild, three stand out as the trade deadline approaches.
1. What Will The Blackhawks’ Leadership Group Look Like?
I saw many fans create a dialogue about the Blackhawks’ leadership group, which makes for an interesting point, especially knowing what’s on the table.
Captain Nick Foligno and alternates Connor Murphy and Seth Jones are leading the charge. But how will that look after March 7? Seth Jones requested a trade, and he could be moved by the trade deadline, but it seems pretty iffy, considering the contract gymnastics included with the five years remaining on his deal.
Connor Murphy’s contract ends after next season and he has always been a trade deadline candidate, but injuries have kept him from getting moved in the past. He is healthy after returning from a lingering groin injury, but he expressed uncertainty about how the rest of his season will go. Moreover, he has a 10-team no-trade clause, making him a wild card, but I still think he is worth watching, especially after his career-high three-assist night against the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 27.
Nick Foligno’s contract expired after next season, too. But the captain is not getting moved unless he comes out with a dramatic, last-minute trade request (improbable). He looks like the only constant of the leadership group in this scenario.
The leadership group could very well remain intact after the deadline, and I think that’s likely. But seeing how the group would look would be interesting if there was a shakeup. Jason Dickinson (when he returns from injury) or Teuvo Teräväinen would be strong candidates to take over the “A” if something occurred.
2. How Will Their Offense Develop?
Even though the Blackhawks’ defense is a question mark, I do think they have a lot of future potential with players like Nolan Allan, Ethan Del Mastro, Sam Rinzel, Kevin Korchinski, and Artyom Levshunov. Therefore, I believe that the more significant question mark surrounds the offense. They are fifth-worst in the NHL in goals-for per game (2.66 goals), and the Blackhawks’ leading goal-scorer is Ryan Donato (19 goals).
I don’t believe anything drastic will happen by the deadline that will completely transform the offense. That is more of a summer objective, but they have more prospects on the way.
Dominic James (2022 sixth-round draft pick) said he would love to sign with the Blackhawks when the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s season ends. Oliver Moore (University of Minnesota) could also make the jump. Aidan Thompson (University of Denver) and Ryan Greene (Boston University) could be in play, too. Scott Powers of The Athletic reported that the Blackhawks want to make roster space for prospects. (from ‘What I’m hearing about the Blackhawks as the trade deadline approaches’ – The Athletic – 01/23/2025)
Related: Blackhawks Prospect Report: Lardis, Levshunov, Korchinski & More
Considering one or more prospects make the jump, how will that impact the offense? There is a learning curve, but will the offense show some promise by the end of the season? Better yet, who will get moved to make space for them? Which brings us to the final question:
3. Who Will Get Traded on The Blackhawks?
When looking at the roster, it seems like most are trade candidates because many players are on expiring deals, and it is forward-focused. Craig Smith, Pat Maroon, Ryan Donato, Lukas Reichel, and Philipp Kurashev are continuously mentioned as players that could get moved.
Earlier this month, Jeff Marek of Daily Faceoff reported that Pat Maroon could draw interest from teams like the Florida Panthers and his old team, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Considering he was traded at last year’s deadline, it is hard not to think he could be on the move again. Craig Smith makes great sense because he plays a good depth role. He just returned from a lengthy back injury, which is significant, but he does have three points in his last seven games.
Lukas Reichel was healthy scratched the last two games, but teams are always looking for young, skilled forwards. I would be cautious about moving him, but the fact that he is in and out of the lineup makes it look like the team feels differently. Philipp Kurashev is in a similar boat as Reichel with being in and out, but he did have a nice goal against Vegas. Despite his down year, any scouts watching may have noticed what he could provide.
Lastly, Ryan Donato, who has been one of the Blackhawks’ best players, has three points in his last four games after returning from the 4 Nations break, continuing the hot streak he maintained before the break as well. He’s been talked about as the likeliest trade candidate all season, and his play continues to up the ante.
My prediction is that Maroon, Smith, and Donato will get moved. Reichel may get back into the lineup with Foligno being day-to-day with a lower-body injury, and if he has a good showing in the final three games before the deadline, who knows?
The craziness about the deadline shows that you never know what will happen. Most of these questions may get better answered in the offseason, but the deadline will at least provide a start on the Blackhawks’ plan of action for next season and beyond.
