The trade deadline has become significantly quieter for the Chicago Blackhawks lately. As a fan, one could see that as a good thing, because it means they’ve largely gotten past the era of trading away beloved stars for picks and prospects — the NHL equivalent of lottery tickets — and are further along in the rebuilding process. One could also see it as a bad thing, because they still seem quite far away from getting back to the point where they’re the ones trading away lottery tickets for new stars.
General manager Kyle Davidson might not have a Patrick Kane or an Alex DeBrincat to deal, but he does have a few players on expiring contracts that could be very appealing to some contenders looking for the final piece of the puzzle. Let’s take a look at the most likely Blackhawks to leave before the March 6 trade deadline, where they might go and what Davidson might get for them.
1. Connor Murphy, RHD
Current contract: Pending UFA, $4.4 million cap hit
Why the Blackhawks would trade him: Murphy has been nothing but a solid citizen on and off the ice since coming to Chicago in the Niklas Hjalmarsson trade in 2017. He’s been a solid defender, a leader in the locker room and a force for good in the community. And he still brings value to the Blackhawks as they’ve entered this stage of the rebuild, serving as a steadying presence and mentor on the back end for the team’s bevy of young blueliners. And the Blackhawks don’t really need to trade him. Kevin Korchinski hasn’t proven he’s ready for the NHL full-time yet and Ethan Del Mastro isn’t an urgent priority, so he’s not a developmental road block (especially considering Matt Grzelcyk is also a pending UFA). So it’s not inconceivable that Murphy sticks around.
Still, it’s far more likely he’s dealt by the deadline. He’s one of the precious few valuable assets the Blackhawks have to trade, and considering Murphy has been in the league for 13 seasons and has yet to experience a true playoff atmosphere (his only postseason experience came in the bubble in Edmonton in 2020), it might be the right thing to do for the player, too.
What he brings to the table: Murphy is having his best season in five years, only a minus-4 at five-on-five despite getting the least offensive-zone starts of his career. He’s big, he’s physical, he kills penalties for the league’s top PK, and he’s willing to fight when warranted. It doesn’t hurt that he’s known throughout the league as a great locker-room presence and easy-going leader who’ll fit in just about anywhere.
Trade value: OK, so he’s not Quinn Hughes. He’s probably a No. 4 at best on a playoff team. So Murphy isn’t going to bring much more than maybe a second- or third-round pick. But big, physical, right-shot veteran defensemen are absolute catnip to NHL general managers this time of year. Murphy’s game is well-suited for the playoffs, even if we’ve never really seen it.
Possible suitors: Dallas is a natural fit, but the Stars are hardly the only team looking for a right-shot and/or depth defenseman. Buffalo, Ottawa, San Jose, Pittsburgh, Boston and Detroit all make sense, too. A bidding war is Kyle Davidson’s best hope at getting anything substantial at this deadline.
Chris Johnston’s take: As a right-shot defenseman on an expiring contract, he’s the most valuable piece the Blackhawks are likely to put on the market at this deadline. Multiple contending teams have been keeping tabs on Murphy throughout this season with the understanding that he could be available. It remains to be seen how high prices will go league-wide, but Murphy should bring back a premium future asset.
2. Jason Dickinson, C
Current contract: Pending UFA, $4.25 million cap hit
Why the Blackhawks would trade him: Outside of Connor Bedard, Dickinson has been arguably the Blackhawks’ most valuable center. He takes a majority of the team’s faceoffs, starts in the defensive zone a ton and excels on the penalty kill. But as with a lot of the players on this board, the Blackhawks are looking to make room for their future players. They’re especially hoping Anton Frondell will be able to come over from Sweden in March or April and get some NHL games in. The Blackhawks also will want to start relying more on Ryan Greene and their other young centers to absorb Dickinson’s role.
What he brings to the table: Dickinson can fill a third- or fourth-line center role on a playoff team. His offense can be hit-or-miss, but his defense is pretty consistent. He can be leaned on heavily in the defensive zone and can often flip the ice with the puck.
Trade value: Dickinson’s value probably depends on what other centers are available at the deadline. If there aren’t a lot, Dickinson’s value could go up. The Blackhawks would be ecstatic for a second-round pick for him, but that’s probably a stretch. It’s possible the Blackhawks don’t make more than a move or two at the deadline, but they’ll definitely want to at least create some forward space.
Possible suitors: The Minnesota Wild are looking for a top-six center, but any help down the middle would be welcome. The Vegas Golden Knights could be an interesting destination, as well.
Chris Johnston’s take: What will draw teams to Dickinson is his proven ability to handle defensive-zone starts and smother top-tier opposition. While many of the things he does best aren’t reflected in the box score, they will attract the attention of scouts and executives across the league. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Dickinson bring back a second-round pick, and perhaps a little more, especially if Chicago retains some of the salary remaining on his expiring contract. The fact he’s a center is a major selling feature here, too.
Ilya Mikheyev is exactly the kind of under-the-radar acquisition that makes good teams great. (James Guillory / Imagn Images)
3. Ilya Mikheyev, RW/LW
Current contract: Pending UFA, $4.0375 million cap hit
Why the Blackhawks would trade him: Really, the only reason would be to clear roster space for a younger player. Davidson took a flier on Mikheyev in what was essentially a cap dump for the Vancouver Canucks (just like Dickinson), and he’s been a terrific addition. Not only is he an elite penalty killer, but he fits Davidson’s M.O. of being fast and hard to play against. Mikheyev will be 32 at the start of next season, so a long-term contract certainly isn’t in the offing, but if the Blackhawks need to overpay a veteran for a year or two to help them get to the cap floor, Mikheyev makes a lot of sense. It’s just a matter of whether Davidson wants to really clear the decks beyond Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teräväinen, or if he thinks nine spots for young forwards is sufficient.
What he brings to the table: Mikheyev is fast, smart, responsible and one of the best penalty-killers in the league. He’s exactly the kind of under-the-radar addition that helps good teams become great.
Trade value: He’s a two-time 20-goal scorer, but his production has dipped a bit this season, with 10 goals through 50 games. He’s a good player, yes. But he’s unlikely to cost a contender more than a second- or third-round pick. (And remember, the Blackhawks already have two first-rounders and three second-rounders this year.) Perhaps a prospect who’s a little closer to being NHL-ready could be more appealing.
Possible suitors: The Montreal Canadiens are absolutely in the market for a penalty-killing depth forward, but might have to part with a roster player to make the math work. That would largely defeat the purpose for the Blackhawks. The Carolina Hurricanes could be a nice fit for Mikheyev’s style, as well.
Chris Johnson’s take: The return on Mikheyev isn’t likely to be as strong as Dickinson, even if he’s been the more productive offensive player of the two over multiple NHL seasons. Wingers don’t tend to be coveted to the same degree as centers on the trade market. Plus he’s another Blackhawks player who is being paid above his rate of production. Still, as a big body with decent speed, Mikheyev has plenty of utility and will be a commodity if management chooses to move on.
4. Matt Grzelcyk, LHD
Current contract: Pending UFA, $1 million cap hit
Why the Blackhawks would trade him: Grzelcyk has taken on a much bigger role than the Blackhawks imagined when he joined the team on a PTO at the start of camp. He’s consistently been in the lineup all season, often paired with Murphy, and has been given power-play responsibilities. Like Murphy, it’s possible the Blackhawks keep him for the entire season. Davidson would be more likely to move them both if there were a clearer sense of where young defensemen are in their development.
What he brings to the table: Grzelcyk continues to prove he’s a solid NHLer, just as he has throughout his career. It’s still odd that no other team wanted to sign him before the season. He’s reliable at five-on-five, can jump onto the power play if needed and his overall analytics are positive.
Trade value: Grzelcyk probably doesn’t bring much back. Trading him would be more about creating a roster opening.
Possible suitors: Teams at the bottom of the league on the power play might be a fit. He could be seen as more of an insurance piece, especially with a low cap hit.
Chris Johnston’s take: The Pittsburgh Penguins weren’t able to move him at last year’s deadline in what was a far more productive season for Grzelczyk, albeit one in which he was pulling in a significantly higher salary. The fact he now carries a $1 million cap hit makes a deal possible. However, contending teams are usually seeking size and defensive acumen when acquiring defensemen at the deadline and those aren’t qualities associated with Grzelczyk.
5. Nick Foligno, LW/RW
Current contract: Pending UFA, $4.5 million cap hit
Why the Blackhawks would trade him: It’d be surprising if Foligno sought to be traded considering everything he’s put into his role as captain the last two years. But with this being possibly his final NHL season or at least near the end of his career, it’s always possible he wants a shot at winning a Stanley Cup.
What he brings to the table: Foligno still has something left in the tank. He’s more of a fourth-liner now, but he can be reliable in that role. He’s also famously good in a room.
Trade value: Foligno’s cap hit might be a challenge for most teams. The Blackhawks would probably have to eat half of that. And they probably wouldn’t receive more than a late-round pick in exchange.
Possible suitors: Foligno is still beloved in Columbus. Would the Blue Jackets consider adding him as they make a push?
Chris Johnston’s take: Once traded for a first-round pick at the deadline, going from Columbus to Toronto in 2021, Foligno doesn’t carry that same value at age 38. But his high character and intangible qualities are still things a top team would covet in exchange for a mid-round draft pick. The Blackhawks will probably need to retain salary here to make this move work given the new quirks of a playoff salary cap coming into effect this spring.