The NHL trade deadline is March 6, 2025, exactly 41 days away. There have already been some moves, including a blockbuster involving Quinn Hughes, but the majority of the action will likely occur after the Olympic break. With three weeks off, and time for these front offices to really do their homework, we could have an electric deadline day.
Following a bit of a plummet in the league standings, the Chicago Blackhawks are expected to be active, one way or another, at the deadline. Some believe they will be full-blown sellers, others believe they could actually add, as Frank Seravalli shared in early January. This aligns as more reports link the Blackhawks to players (more on that later).
As noted by Seravalli, Connor Murphy is certainly a name that teams will like as they gear up for deep playoff runs. Plus, giving Murphy a chance to play for a contender is the right move for the longtime Blackhawk. In addition, Jason Dickinson might fetch quite the return as the Blackhawks prepare their plan for the deadline.
Nonetheless, we have to lay out what the Blackhawks could look to add at the deadline. We’ve seen this team make a flurry of moves over the years, having varying results. For example, in 2012, the Blackhawks acquired Johnny Oduya for a second-round pick and third-round pick from the Winnipeg Jets. That move proved to be key as the Hawks won two Stanley Cups with Oduya on their blue line. Then, there are trades like Anders Bjork. Bjork had a nice 13-game stint with the Hawks, only to completely fall out of the league afterwards.
Story continues below.
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So where should the Hawks look if they’re going to upgrade their team? I have found four instances where a few key factors come into play. First, these contracts mostly expire after the 2026-27 season, meaning the player would be here for, minimally, a season-plus. Also, these are players that have either been in rumors before, help a team shed cap money, or guys who simply need a change of scenery. For the value, those are the factors that we are considering.
Let’s dive in.
Kent Johnson
Jan 6, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Kent Johnson (91) controls the puck against the San Jose Sharks in the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
An incredibly fascinating name, Kent Johnson has seemingly fallen out of favor in Columbus. Although his minutes have increased in January, Johnson’s offensive totals are very far off from his 2024-25 totals.
Johnson posted 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) in 68 games a season ago, seemingly taking a huge step in his development as a 22-year-old. This season, Johnson was pushed down to the fourth line and has just 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 49 games.
The former fifth overall pick is under contract through the 2026-27 season at a tiny $1.8 million cap hit. The duration of his contract feels like a perfect audition in Chicago. If he works out, then the Hawks have a young forward in the fold to join Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, etc. and if he doesn’t, they can still move him next season.
What’s the price? It completely depends on how the Blue Jackets value him. In one world, a second-round pick could certainly be something they’d ask for. However, there is a chance that a swap of players in need of a new situation could get it done, too.
Vincent Trocheck
Jan 2, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (16) waits for a faceoff against the Florida Panthers during the third period during the third period in the 2026 Winter Classic ice hockey game at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Perhaps the one name that stands out because of its unexpected nature, Vincent Trocheck is supposedly on the Hawks’ radar. The New York Rangers need to hit reset after fumbling what felt like a quality rebuild. Trocheck was originally signed to replace Ryan Strome at the time, but the 32-year-old center could be shipped out of New York sooner than later if the price, and his modified no-trade clause (M-NTC), make it work.
Trocheck has suited up in 38 games as of this writing, tallying 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists). Although his numbers aren’t overwhelming, he’s posted at least 51 points in each of his last four seasons. Trocheck’s age might not fit what is expected to be on Chicago’s wish list, but there is a chance it makes sense.
With potential departures of Murphy, Dickinson, Nick Foligno, Sam Lafferty, and Ilya Mikheyev after this season, and Teuvo Teravainan and Andre Burakovsky after next season, an experienced veteran will still be a team need. Trocheck wins face offs at an elite level (nearly 60%) and would deepen the Hawks’ forward group for the next three seasons after this one.
There’s a chance the Rangers’ price is too high, immediately turning the Blackhawks off of a potential deal. However, the fact the Hawks are mentioned as a potential suitor has to raise everyone’s intrigue as the deadline approaches.
Jared McCann
Dec 22, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Seattle Kraken left wing Jared McCann (19) celebrates his goal in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
When this idea entered my head, the Seattle Kraken were struggling and looked like potential sellers. Now, they’re firmly in the playoff race and may not subtract unless they can also add at the same time. However, the Blackhawks should absolutely pick up the phone and inquire on Jared McCann.
Like Trocheck, McCann also has a M-NTC, but is only under contract through the 2026-27 season. At a $5 million price tag, McCann could help a lot of teams. His injury history is something that will scare teams at times, but scoring at least 22 goals in four straight season, including a 40-goal campaign, presents plenty to like.
Through just 26 games this season, McCann has 12 goals and 10 assists. Despite missing a fair amount of time early this season, McCann is still quite the scoring threat. At just 29 years of age, McCann fits the Hawks timeline fairly well and brings a bit of a veteran presence to join the likes of Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainan, and Andre Burakovsky.
All of that in mind, its unlikely McCann is moved. However, it never hurts to ask.
Shane Wright
Jan 12, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright (51) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
If there is one player the Kraken are willing to part ways with, it appears to be Shane Wright. Wright was a top draft pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, but largely hasn’t lived up to the hype. Wright had a 44-point season last year, pointing to development for the 22-year-old. However, he has regressed slightly this season, posting 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 50 games.
Reports have indicated that the Kraken are willing to move Wright, for the right price. If Kyle Davidson likes the player, there could be a marriage there. However, the Blackhawks are quite deep down the middle (a spectacular surprise and change from years past) and bringing Wright into the fold might not make the most sense. That said, centers can play wing and Wright has the pedigree and upward trajectory that fits Chicago’s timeline.
Like McCann, it doesn’t hurt to pick up the phone. If Davidson is trying to move on from any prospects, he could maybe swing a deal for Wright. Perhaps a Jason Dickinson type and another asset gets it done to bring Wright to Chicago? However, if Seattle is trying to “trade up” with Wright, the Hawks would have to offer something much more valuable.
What’s On Tap Next?
There will be plenty of moves before the Olympic freeze, but the Hawks could be quiet all the way until March. Regardless, expect Kyle Davidson to make at least two moves (set the line at O/U 2.5) before the season is over. Next season will be a big one for the Hawks, and adding a piece now could make a real difference.