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Sam Walker
January 22, 2026Â Â (10:14)
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
A Jason Dickinson trade buzz hits the Chicago Blackhawks following an interview between the forward and The Athletic.
Chicago is still in the rebuilding phase, but Dickinson is the kind of vet contenders call about when the NHL trade deadline approaches in March.
He has 6 goals and 4 assists for 10 in 36 games this season, with a minus 6 that says more about the team around him than his own details.
Dickinson also carries a $4.25 million cap hit through the 2025-26 season, so he is not a pure rental bargain unless money moves.
The appeal is simple: he can play center or wing, handle tough matchups, and help your penalty kill without needing top-six minutes.
He’s also well aware that as an expiring unrestricted free agent, he’s likely to be dealt, but he isn’t trying to focus on those things.
«I mean, out of my control, really,» Dickinson said on Wednesday. «Whatever comes and whenever they want to have discussions about what that future is, it’ll be it.»
3 trade destinations for Jason Dickinson
If the New York Rangers are serious, Dickinson fits as a third-line stabilizer who can take defensive zone draws and let their skill guys cheat for offense.
Montreal is a different vibe, with a younger roster, a loud building, and a constant need for structure when the game gets messy.
You can already feel Hawks fans bracing for another familiar moment, the good soldier playing well enough to get shipped out.
For the Canadiens, Dickinson gives the coach a matchup plug and a penalty-killing option who will not melt under late-game heat.
New Jersey is the cleanest hockey fit on paper; they can score, but they have chased depth at center in past runs, and Dickinson checks that box.
The return is unlikely to be flashy; think a pick or a mid prospect, unless Chicago eats salary or a bidding war shows up.
Dickinson did openly admit he’s willing to re-sign in Chicago, but that isn’t even something that’s currently on his mind.
«I’m not giving it a whole lot of thought, if I’m being totally honest, but I love it here,» Dickinson said. «I love the guys, I love the group. I think we’re putting together something that I believe in and Blash (Jeff Blashill) is somebody I believe in. So, yeah, there’s a lot to want to be a part of here, for sure.»
The intriguing part is that it opens up a spot for a prospect to immediately join the Blackhawks.
Either way, keep an eye on how he is deployed over the next stretch; that usually tells you when calls are turning real.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
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Chicago Blackhawks forward admits the team might ultimately trade him at the deadline
Should the Chicago Blackhawks trade Jason Dickinson?