The Chicago Blackhawks and general manager Kyle Davidson are prepared to do a full-on rebuild which would mean trading away guys like Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane, and some even speculate that Alex DeBrincat might be available for trade, which wouldn’t be smart. Kane and Toews are both signed through next year and both have a no-trade clause attached to their contracts, which means they can’t be dealt without their permission.
(Sorry in advance for the caps, but they're necessary)
THE AVS INQUIRED ABOUT PATRICK KANE!! WHAT?!?!@TheFourthPeriod | #NHLNow pic.twitter.com/tjLDABR3CM
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) March 5, 2022
This roster has players on the team that is going to be free agents after the season and guys that the team can get value for, Marc Andre-Fleury, Dylan Strome, Dominik Kubalik, Calvin de Haan, Connor Murphy, Caleb Jones, and Kevin Lankinen are all good trade assets that could really help them get the rebuild started.
What assets should the front office be looking for in any trades?
The Blackhawks currently do not have a first-round pick this year because former general manager Stan Bowman decided to trade it away to Columbus for Seth Jones. Davidson’s plan should be to acquire a first-round pick or multiple draft picks to approve the future of this team.
Fleury is one guy on this team that can reel in a 1st-round pick even if Davidson must package another player like Strome in a trade. It’s been reported that the Edmonton Oilers may be interested in Fleury because of their recent goaltender issues, Mike Smith hasn’t been reliable, he has a .898% and a 3.76 GAA in 6 games played, Mikko Koskinen also has a .898% with a 3.31 GAA in 22 games played.
What players should be moved and why?
One of the Blackhawks’ best defensemen this year, Calvin De Haan, should also be one of the assets they move at the trade deadline. He’s played in 51 games so far this season, has 5 points (1G, 4A) his +/- is -18. De Haan reminds me of a Niklas Hjalmarsson type of player, he defends well, and blocks shots like Hjalmarsson did. De Haan has playoff experience and is a free agent after the year, so the Blackhawks can always sign him back in the offseason.
Dylan Strome is a free agent after the season, and he’s been on fire as of late, scoring his 12th goal of the season in last night’s loss vs the Tampa Bay Lighting. Strome has been one of the few bright spots in this Blackhawks lineup as of late notching 18 points (9 goals and 9 assists) in his last 22 games. Blackhawk fans may be against trading Strome because of his recent performance and possibly showing he can be a big piece to this rebuild, but if you can get a first-round pick and more for him, Davidson should trade him. It’s also possible for the Blackhawks to resign Strome in the off-season, don’t forget that.
Hagel’s value is at an all-time high, he’s only 23-years old, rumors are that Florida, Toronto, New Jersey, and pretty much any team that needs a left-handed winger should be interested. The Blackhawks can easily get a 1st-round pick and maybe even a prospect attached to the deal in return. He is also having the best offensive season of his career thus far, notching 17 goals and 14 assists (31 points) in 51 games played.
What positional needs do the Chicago Blackhawks need based on their farm system?
Lukas Reichel is currently the top prospect in the Blackhawks system, and he’s now made his NHL debut against the Montreal Canadiens and didn’t look too bad for a rookie getting a taste of NHL action. Blackhawks fans wanted to see more of Reichel, but he only played in five NHL games, and still hasn’t recorded his first point in the NHL. If the Blackhawks kept Reichel up past 9 games, they would, unfortunately, burn a year of his entry-level contract, and that wouldn’t be ideal. Davidson has a good plan in place for Reichel and his development, so we just have to be patient with him.
The Blackhawks have guys like Nolan Allen, Ian Mitchell, Nicolas Beaudin, Jakub Galvas, Issak Phillips, Josiah Slavin, and Drew Commesso. It isn’t strong enough, but they do have some really nice pieces and guys that can be a part of the rebuild. It’s important for Davidson to look to acquire a first-round pick if not multiple to start the rebuild off on the right foot.
