The Chicago Blackhawks aren’t very good.
This season, they have a 16-31-5 record with 37 points, the second-worst record in the league behind only the San Jose Sharks, who have 36 points. It feels like it’s going to be a long time before the Blackhawks are competitive again, even with Connor Bedard in the fold.
The white flag has already been waived by the Blackhawks this season. Unlike teams we looked at earlier, such as the Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues, the Hawks are well out of the race and have already moved one of their top trade rental assets, Taylor Hall, to the Carolina Hurricanes.
With that being said, let’s take a look at who else Chicago has to offer before the March 7 trade deadline.
Jason Dickinson
Jason Dickinson was drafted 29th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2013, but his real breakout came once he landed with the Blackhawks. The left-shot center hit his stride, posting a career-high nine goals and 30 points in his first season with the rebuilding team. He didn’t stop there—last season, he shattered expectations with 22 goals and 35 points across 82 games. This year, he’s already at seven goals and 16 points in 52 games.
At 29 years old, Dickinson comes with a $4.25 million cap hit and is locked in until the 2025-26 season—without any trade protections. The Blackhawks still have one salary retention spot available this season, and with Dickinson’s versatility and consistency, he could be an intriguing trade target for teams looking to strengthen their lineup.
Ilya Mikheyev
Ilya Mikheyev is a player with speed who knows how to find the back of the net. On pace to hit double-digit goals for the fourth straight season, Mikheyev’s breakout campaign came in 2021-22 with the Maple Leafs, where he racked up 21 goals and 32 points in just 53 games. He’s continued to deliver, with 11 goals and 31 points last season for the Canucks and nine goals and 15 points so far this year after being traded to the Blackhawks in the offseason.
With a 12-team no-trade list and a $4.038 million cap hit (with 15% retained by Vancouver), Mikheyev’s contract runs until the end of the 2025-26 season. While his price tag is steep for a depth forward, his speed, scoring touch, and ability to complement any middle-six forward group make him an intriguing option for playoff contenders.
Ryan Donato
Ryan Donato is shaping up to be one of the most attractive options at this year’s trade deadline. The left-shot center is having a standout season with 15 goals and 30 points through just 50 games—already matching his career-best numbers from the 2021-22 season with the Kraken.
Donato’s $2 million cap hit is a bargain, and with no trade protection, he’s a flexible option for teams looking to add scoring depth. While faceoffs aren’t his strong suit, his offensive production and versatility make him an ideal target for a team like the Oilers, who could use a spark in their bottom six.
Patrick Maroon
The Big Rig may not be the 27-goal scorer he once was playing alongside Connor McDavid, but let’s not forget his back-to-back-to-back Cup wins from 2019 to 2021 with the St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning. Brought into Chicago for his leadership, Maroon has chipped in two goals and 11 points over 46 games this season.
On a team-friendly $1.3 million deal with no trade protection, Maroon brings championship experience, grit, and a physical edge, exactly the kind of player playoff teams want anchoring their bottom six. If you’re looking for a proven winner with a “never back down” mentality, Maroon is your guy.
Connor Murphy
Connor Murphy doesn’t light up the scoreboard, but he’s the kind of shutdown defenseman every playoff team craves. The right-shot blueliner has one goal and 13 points this season, with a career-high of 19 points, but his value lies in his ability to lock down the opposition’s top players.
With a $4.4 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list, Murphy’s contract isn’t cheap, but his physicality and defensive reliability could make him the perfect partner for someone like Darnell Nurse on a second pairing. If the Blackhawks are willing to retain some salary, Murphy could be a key piece for a contender looking to bolster their blue line.
Petr Mrázek
If the Oilers are in the market for goaltending help, Petr Mrázek might just be the answer. The 32-year-old has had a rollercoaster career, ranging from stellar backup to reliable starter to inconsistent performer. This season, he’s posted an .895 save percentage and a 3.32 goals-against average in 30 games. However, last year he showed flashes of brilliance with a .908 save percentage and a 3.03 GAA. Put Mrázek behind a stronger defence, and his numbers are bound to improve.
With a $4.25 million cap hit and no trade protection, Mrázek is signed through 2025-26. For a team desperate to stabilize its crease, he could be a gamble worth taking.
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