For the past few months, pretty much everyone has projected that we’ll see several NHL trades as early as this week. The trade deadline isn’t for another three weeks, but with everyone getting a break during the 4 Nations Face-Off, it’s a great time to make some moves. The Blackhawks were already involved in a few trades, including dealing Taylor Hall to the Hurricanes.
But who’s next? Chicago is overstocked with veteran skaters who won’t be here a few years from now, so this month is a perfect time to get something in return for them. With the Blackhawks looking to finally turn the corner, a handful of skaters may have already played in their last game for Chicago.
Seth Jones
Someone must have told Seth Jones that in order to be traded, he had to prove that he was still an NHL-caliber defenseman. After a brutal start to the season, Jones has returned to his status as the Blackhawks’ No. 1 blueliner, scoring 10 points in a seven-game stretch in January and bringing his point total to 26 on the year. With the cap ceiling going up by so much, his $9.5 million cap hit isn’t as much of a deal-breaker, but it’s still the biggest issue in getting rid of him. Chicago won’t want to eat a portion of that cap hit, given that his contract doesn’t expire until 2030. Will a team bite?
Ryan Donato
The most likely candidate to be traded, Donato is a textbook sell-high asset for the Blackhawks. Though he profiles as more of a bottom-six guy, Donato has already scored a career high in goals (19) and points (37). With his $2 million salary coming off the books at the end of this season, it’s somewhat surprising that he hasn’t been dealt already, but a deal is likely coming soon.
Alec Martinez
While the Blackhawks would love to get rid of players like Seth Jones and even Connor Murphy first, Chicago could simply run out of right-side defensemen. They already only have two on the active roster with Louis Crevier on IR, and there aren’t many coming – Artyom Levshunov is the only RHD waiting in the wings. Speaking of players waiting for their shot at the NHL, the Blackhawks would be wise to deal Martinez if they can get anything for him. The team’s defensive pipeline is loaded with NHL-ready talent, but those roster spots are being filled by veterans like Martinez instead. There’s no huge pressure to get rid of Martinez, since he won’t be brought back when his contract expires this summer, but it certainly couldn’t hurt.
