Earlier this month, I wrote that the Blackhawks are fairly likely to get rid of trade chips like Seth Jones, Ryan Donato and Alec Martinez at the trade deadline on March 7. Jones in particular has made it clear that he wants out of Chicago, going public with his request for a trade. Most of the conversation around the Blackhawks has been around what they can get for Jones, and if he could be traded before the deadline.
But in Chicago’s two games since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off break, it’s become clear that even if he’s traded, Jones won’t be the only player dealt in a few weeks. Over the past few days, two new candidates have emerged as possible trade chips for the Blackhawks.
Lukas Reichel
In Sunday’s loss to the Maple Leafs, Reichel was benched for the last half of the second period and the entire third period. He skated only 7:35 on nine shifts. After the game, interim head coach Anders Sorensen simply said he “didn’t like his game.” It’s a strange strategy considering that he lets players like TJ Brodie skate the entire game, and he certainly seems like a scapegoat most of the time – but there may be a hidden reason we don’t see.
With the Blackhawks almost certainly making a move sometime over the next few weeks, Reichel could be an asset given up in that move. The 22-year-old forward has shown impressive flashes at times, proving that he has the potential to be a star and a dangerous scorer. But Chicago hasn’t exactly done much to help his development, pulling stunts like this and putting him on a line with players like Craig Smith and Pat Maroon. He could still fetch a fair market value and be a good NHL player somewhere else. Could he be attached to Jones? If so, maybe the Blackhawks could get rid of the defenseman without having to retain some of his contract. Reichel is still a good player with loads of potential on the Blackhawks, but if they aren’t going to develop him, then they might as well see what they can get in return.
Craig Smith
Speaking of Craig Smith and games that were played over the weekend, Smith both played and talked his way into a trade conversation on Saturday night. In a 5-1 loss to the Blue Jackets, Smith scored his team’s only goal and had a solid overall night. He’s not exactly setting the world on fire, but his 13 points aren’t terrible and he’s only a -7 on the season. Smith is only earning $1 million on his current contract, which expires this summer.
With his contract, solid play and veteran experience, Smith is a perfect trade candidate before the deadline who could be a solid pickup for a playoff contender. After the game, he certainly seemed open to the idea:
“It’s frustrating, it’s unacceptable, it’s embarrassing to a certain point. It’s getting embarrassing. We have to dig deep personally before every game.”
– Craig Smith
It’s unclear what sort of value the Blackhawks could get for Smith, but having him out of the picture would at least open up a roster spot for someone else. Chicago will be signing prospects like Oliver Moore, Sam Rinzel and several others when their respective collegiate seasons wrap up, and the team will have to have somewhere to put them. Smith’s presence won’t help them going forward, so getting rid of him now and potentially getting something in return would be the best choice.
