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The Chicago Blackhawks have some fairly big decisions to make before Friday's NHL trade deadline. There are a handful of players who are definitely available to move and, given the sellers market that has occurred thus far leading up to the deadline, Kyle Davidson has a lot of decisions to make.
Frank Seravelli appeared on CHSN to discuss the state of the Blackhawks before the deadline. According to the NHL insider, Ryan Donato, Petr Mrazek, and Lukas Reichel appear to be the names garnering the most attention.
Ryan Donato's Value
Per Seravelli, the Blackhawks are seeking a first-round pick for Donato. In this market, that is a completely fair ask. Earlier on Wednesday, the Seattle Kraken landed a pair of first-round picks, and second-round pick, and a prospect from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a late draft pick, and forwards Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Donato's 23 goals (he scored on Wednesday against the Senators) make him an intriguing trade piece.
In addition, Donato is still young. At age 28, Donato's best hockey is, in theory, coming over the next few seasons. Any team that lands him now can certainly work on extending him if that is their intention. If not, he's still a quality rental for a playoff contender before he enters free agency on the heels of the best scoring season of his career.
Based on Seravelli's report, it also feels like the Blackhawks aren't rushing and want teams to start a bidding war for Donato's services. There is a lot of interest, and if the Hawks can net a first-round pick and a player, it would be a huge win for Chicago.
Petr Mrazek's Future
Mrazek's situation is not an easy one to navigate. Although there is belief that he can be traded for pennies on the dollar in terms of value, the veteran goaltender carries a heavy cap hit considering his 2024-25 performance. In addition, the Blackhawks cannot retain money on any players until July 1, meaning Mrazek cannot be retained on before then. At that point, two of their three retention slots will open with Jake McCabe's $2 million and Mikko Rantanen's $4.625 million falling off the books.
Seravelli noted that the Blackhawks are willing to give Mrazek away for just about free, but teams will be hesitant to commit that much money to a goaltender who also has another full year at $4.25 million on his current deal for 2025-26.
Don't expect Mrazek to be moved until free agency opens this summer.
Lukas Reichel on the Move?
Although Lukas Reichel is young and could have a promising future, the Blackhawks are listening on the young forward. He has one more season at $1.2 million on his contract, making him an ideal fit for just about any team's cap situation. However, the Blackhawks reportedly want a player in any deal for Reichel, not just a late-round pick.
In this instance, it feels like the Blackhawks are willing to part with Reichel, but see the value that he has. His speed and scoring prowess flash at times, but he's yet to put it all together. However, players like Reichel venture to other teams and thrive on a fair frequency, meaning a change of scenery may be just what the doctor ordered.
If the Blackhawks can acquire another young player who is ready to contribute at the NHL level now, then a deal is certainly worth it. However, it is worth applauding Davidson for understanding Reichel's value and having the will to hold onto him unless his socks are knocked off by an offer.
What Will Happen By Friday?
The Blackhawks will surely make at least one trade before Friday's trade deadline. However, this will likely not be the sellers deadline many expect from Chicago. In fact, there could be a buyer opportunity for the Blackhawks depending on how things shake out. The team was reportedly kicking the tires on a handful of names to add as important veterans before the deadline. Although it isn't guaranteed the Blackhawks add now, there is expectation they'll add in the future.
At the same time, names like Alec Martinez, Patrick Maroon, and Craig Smith are likely staying put for the rest of the season. In addition, names like Nick Foligno, Jason Dickinson, and Connor Murphy certainly aren't available either. With the lack of resources to move, it could mean an eerily quiet deadline for the Hawks.
Either way, its time to buckle up Blackhawks fans, the rumors are only going to grow in quantity as Friday approaches.
More must-reads:
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- The '2024-25 NFL TD catch leaders' quiz
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New York Yankees Trade Slew of Prospects in Pair of Impactful Deadline Moves
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