The Chicago Blackhawks are hitting a rough patch again, winning only two of their last ten games and suffering lopsided losses to both the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks. While the season began with promise, their recent struggles raise an uncomfortable but realistic question: What if the Blackhawks fall out of the playoff race by the trade deadline?
If that happens, Chicago will almost certainly shift into seller mode once again, a familiar role during the rebuild. And that means several players could be on the move, especially pending free agents or veterans who could help playoff contenders.
Here’s a closer look at seven Blackhawks who may become trade candidates if the season continues trending downward.
Key veterans who could draw strong trade interest
Mar 13, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) passes the puck during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
Connor Murphy, D
Murphy is almost guaranteed to draw attention from playoff-bound teams. He’s a big, experienced, right-shot defenseman — a premium position at the trade deadline. Teams looking to improve their penalty kill, stabilize their top four, or add leadership on the back end will absolutely inquire. His style fits postseason hockey, and that alone could get Chicago a solid return.
Ilya Mikheyev, RW
Mikheyev, a pending UFA, should become a popular target if Chicago makes him available. He’s a reliable two-way winger who can kill penalties, forecheck effectively, and chip in offensively. Coming off a 20-goal season, he’s precisely the kind of depth scorer and defensive presence contenders love to add in March.
Nick Foligno, LW
This one depends entirely on Foligno’s wishes. As the team’s captain and emotional leader, the Blackhawks would only move him if he asked for a shot at the Stanley Cup. His leadership and experience would make him highly valuable in any contender’s locker room. But if Foligno prefers to stay in Chicago, the Blackhawks will honor that.
Jason Dickinson, C
A strong defensive center and penalty killer, Dickinson is another pending free agent who would interest playoff teams. He is responsible, wins faceoffs, plays tough minutes, and can stabilize a third or fourth line. His style fits postseason hockey perfectly, which could help Chicago secure a mid-round pick or prospect.
Depth options that might appeal to contenders
Oct 15, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ilya Mikheyev (95) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Matt Grzelcyk, D
Grzelcyk brings playoff experience from his time in Boston and carries a team-friendly contract. He showed last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins that he can contribute offensively, posting career highs with 39 assists and 40 points. His ability to move the puck, run a power play, and play sheltered defensive minutes makes him attractive for depth-hungry contenders.
Sam Lafferty, RW/C
Lafferty is the type of gritty, fast, versatile forward that teams always try to grab at the deadline. He can play center or wing, kill penalties, and bring an edge that fits playoff-style hockey. His energy and ability to create momentum on the forecheck could make him a sneaky valuable add for a top contender.
Laurent Brossoit, G
Regardless of how the season plays out, Brossoit is one of the most likely Blackhawks to be traded. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported that Chicago has already given teams permission to speak with him. With many playoff teams always on the lookout for goaltending insurance, Brossoit, a proven, reliable veteran, could offer decent value.
The next several weeks will determine how the Chicago Blackhawks approach the trade deadline. If they stay competitive, the roster may remain intact. But if they continue sliding out of playoff contention, the front office will likely look to extract value from veterans and expiring contracts to support the long-term rebuild. Either way, all eyes will be on these seven players as the season progresses — because if Chicago becomes sellers again, movement is almost guaranteed.
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