What will the Chicago Blackhawks do before the NHL trade deadline? Reports suggest it could be a unique plan for Kyle Davidson.

In recent years, Chicago Blackhawks fans have become accustomed to watching their favorite team become sellers at the annual NHL trade deadline. In early March, or sometimes even before, notable names are moved for future assets to assist in the ongoing rebuild. However, with a step forward in progress this season, what is the team’s plan at the deadline?

As of now, trading a veteran or two seems like a real possibility. As of this writing, Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson appear to be the hottest names for contending teams as the Stanley Cup Playoffs quickly approach. Hell, Dickinson’s reported price could be a second-round pick and a prospect.

In years past, the Blackhawks have also made trades to improve their roster. Take a look at last season’s Seth Jones trade, which landed the Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight and a 2026 first-round pick. This trade is a perfect example of upgrading your team while dealing from a position of strength, or in this case, a player needing a change of scenery. Perhaps the Blackhawks attack this deadline with that mindset?

In addition, we’ve seen the Blackhawks stay put with certain players, such as Ryan Donato. The two parties later agreed to a four-year deal before free agency. This season, it appears forward Ilya Mikheyev is a possible extension target, as the Blackhawks love what he brings in the two-way game.

That said, what really is the plan? That’s what we’re here to figure out after all. Believe it or not, my opinion leans on the side of adding AND subtracting at the same time. In fact, this deadline feels like a “shuffling a few pieces” kind of deadline for Chicago.

Story continues below.

More Sports News

.wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla),
.wp-block-group:where(.alignfull) > .wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla) {
width: calc(100vw – (var(–side-spacing) * 2)) !important;
}
.embla {
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
}
.embla__container {
display: flex;
flex-wrap: nowrap;
gap: 0 !important;
width: 75%;
}
.embla__slide {
margin-inline-end: var(–column-gap);
}
.embla__arrow,
.embla__arrow:active,
.embla__arrow:target,
.embla__arrow:hover,
.embla__arrow:focus-visible {
display: none;
position: absolute;
top: 50%;
transform: translateY(-50%);
width: 40px;
height: 40px;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
line-height: 0;
background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.75);
color: var(–color-primary);
border-radius: 100vw;

svg {
width: 24px;
}
}
.embla__prev {
left: 0;
}
.embla__next {
right: 0;
}
]]>

The Logic

Let’s start with my logic. We have two prominent names in the rumor mill as sell-off pieces (Murphy/Dickinson) while also witnessing buying rumors circling the rumor mill. For example, the Blackhawks have been linked to Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers. A 32-year-old forward with three years remaining on his contract after this season at $5.625 million doesn’t feel like a fit, right? That’s not a move the Blackhawks typically make, unless they feel the player fits where they’re going.

Let’s use Trocheck as an example. The Blackhawks have eight picks in the upcoming draft, with five of them coming in the first two rounds. This team also has an additional second-round pick in 2027, meaning they could make push for a player like Trocheck if they wanted to. That said, this is all if the shoe fits. If the Rangers’ asks are too outlandish for the Hawks’ taste, they’ll certainly move on.

Trocheck aside, this rumor more so indicates that the Blackhawks are willing to bring in a piece that will help them beyond this season, while acquiring value for expiring contracts. That is certainly a way to improve the club when young players need new contracts, expiring contracts give the team flexibility, and the free agency market is largely dried up because of the exponentially-growing salary cap.

What’s On Tap Next?

For the Blackhawks, trades will certainly be on the horizon in the not-so-distant future. The NHL has a trade freeze in place prior to the Olympics, which could serve as a miniature trade deadline of its own. From 3:00 p.m. ET on Feb. 4 to 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 22, the NHL cannot do any roster business. That means we could see some quick trades before the freeze on Feb. 4.

If teams decide to hold, they’ll have about two weeks before the official Mar. 6 trade deadline. The Hawks will surely be busy, and there is a real chance Kyle Davidson both adds and subtracts at the deadline as the team gears up for a late push at a potential playoff spot.