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The Chicago Blackhawks are in the basement of the NHL standings, despite coming off their first road win in 22 attempts. With the standings in mind, the dialogue around the upcoming NHL Trade Deadline for the Hawks is rather quiet. There aren't many names in the rumor mill and Kyle Davidson has not executed a trade as of Wed., Mar. 6. Will the Blackhawks be active before Friday's deadline?
As of now, the Blackhawks might be one of the quieter teams at the deadline. Earlier in the season, names such as Nick Foligno, Jason Dickinson, and Petr Mrazek were capturing headlines as names who could help contenders come this time of year. However, Kyle Davidson saw their value and gave them all two-year deals around the same dollar value. Without those three players available, who is available for trade with any kind of value?
Here, we will analyze some of the names that could be on the move. First, we'll look at the names who are most likely to be on the move and then we'll throw in some wild card names to keep an eye on entering Friday.
Most Likely Trade Candidate: Tyler Johnson
Without a doubt, Tyler Johnson is the highest-profile name that could be moved before Friday's deadline. Although he hasn't posted a 40-plus point season since 2018-19 with Tampa Bay, he has still been a decent producer. Johnson's biggest problem has been injuries over the course of his career.
In 56 games last season, Johnson tallied 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists). This season, Johnson has only suited up in 48 games with 21 points (12 goals, nine assists). Although Johnson's assist totals are down (despite picking up three of them in the win over the Arizona Coyotes), his goal totals are on pace to be better than last season. For a contender in search of depth scoring at the deadline, Johnson certainly fits the bill.
Johnson can play all three forward spots and the Blackhawks can retain money on him. Perhaps someone comes calling about the veteran's services.
Likely Trade Candidate: Colin Blackwell
Colin Blackwell had a slow start to his season after returning from a sports hernia surgery over the summer. Despite the late start to the 2023-24 campaign, Blackwell's impact has been felt with the Hawks.
He's never been much of a scorer, but the 30-year-old forward has made an impact physically while still having a decent offensive season. In just 33 games, Blackwell has eight points (five goals, three assists) and plays with incredible intensity. With his $1.2 million cap hit, he's an easy addition for a contending team who is cap-strapped.
Personally, I'd be appalled if Blackwell isn't moved before Friday's deadline.
Dark Horse Candidate #1: Taylor Raddysh
Last season, Taylor Raddysh would've been considered a piece of the future. He scored 20 goals in his first full season with the Blackhawks and looked like the power forward the Blackhawks were hoping for when he was acquired in the deal for Brandon Hagel. A year later, the narrative is completely different.
Following a 37-point campaign with 20 goals, Raddysh has just 11 points in 58 games. His five goals and six assists are near the bottom of the Blackhawks' team scoring list. In fact, rookie defenseman Kevin Korchinski has the same number of points as Raddysh this season.
What happened to Raddysh? The former 2nd-round pick appeared destined for a top-six spot in the future. Now, he looks as expendable as the next guy. However, his age (26) and past success will certainly make him an appealing candidate for someone at the deadline. A contender could easily bank on his past success and put him around more-skilled players to see what they have.
Don't be surprised if Davidson moves on from Raddysh if an offer comes before Friday.
Dark Horse Candidate #2: Jarred Tinordi
Jarred Tinordi was a darling of sorts last season with the Blackhawks, earning himself another year with a late-season extension from Kyle Davidson. However, this season has been less impressive on the surface despite very similar numbers to last season.
One thing is for sure about defensemen, every team needs them. In addition, Tinordi is such a physical presence and big body, making him a nice low-level addition for any contender. His $1.2 million cap hit is also easy to swallow and absorb. He wouldn't command a lot in return on the market, but he's an intriguing options for teams that play a heavy game or that have a lot of injuries on the blue line.
Dark Horse Candidate #3: Lukas Reichel
This one will certainly anger some Blackhawks fans. Reichel was finally sent back to the AHL once the team started getting healthier in February. Since taking the venture west to Rockford, Reichel has five assists in six games, helping the IceHogs on their push to the Calder Cup Playoffs. If a deal comes along that makes sense, would Kyle Davidson pull the trigger?
For starters, Reichel is not one of Davidson's draft picks. In addition, there could be another team in a similar situation with a prospect who hasn't blossomed in their system, but could benefit from a change of scenery. Reichel seems like that kind of player for Chicago and if a good deal comes around, the Hawks could pull the trigger.
Also, who says the Blackhawks don't get aggressive and leverage some of their draft capital in a trade to improve for the future? It would be very off-brand for Davidson, but he has seen the team's struggles and has to be devising a plan to improve. A singular move or two in free agency likely isn't enough to move the needle. Perhaps a trade to acquire a player with term beyond this season would require moving Reichel.
Again, this is a highly unlikely scenario, but not impossible.
Dark Horse Candidate #4: Ryan Donato
The most unlikely trade scenario, Ryan Donato is an intriguing player for any team. Donato's 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) are good for 7th on the Blackhawks roster. Donato is also under contract for next season at a $2 million cap hit.
Donato was the Blackhawks' lone addition in free agency a season ago, signing a two-year, $4 million deal. He's off to a nice start this season despite missing a little bit of time.
Donato is an appealing player because he can play up and down the lineup, and in different situations. If a team called Davidson with a lucrative offer, he might pull the trigger. However, with being the only addition a year ago in free agency, its safe to assume Davidson would like to keep Donato in the fold.
What's On Tap Next?
The Blackhawks, like the rest of the NHL, will be busy over the next two days fielding calls with Friday's deadline on the horizon. Although the Blackhawks very well might not make any moves, there are enough names available for Davidson to make a trade. Will he? Who knows? But, the possibility is always there.
Who do you think will be traded? Tell us on the socials @FourFeathersPod and @LuceOnTap.
More must-reads:
- 25 great NHL teams that somehow didn't win the Stanley Cup
- Senators take major step toward new stadium
- The 'American League WAR leaders' quiz
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