On Monday, the NHL's trade deadline comes and goes and the question for hockey fans is, who comes and goes? For the Blackhawks, they most definitely will be sellers, so who on the present team will be on a different team as of Monday at 3:00 EST? Kyle Davidson made a few minor deals when he was interim GM, (Laffery for Nylander and Gabriel for Chad Krys), as the real GM he could make a statement by being active. The team isn't going anywhere, so they'll probably shed some contracts and take back prospects or draft picks. It's so much more exciting when they are buyers to upgrade the team for a playoff run. I'll breakdown who I think might be available and what they should do and for fun I'll put a rating out of 10 for the likelihood of getting traded..
- Marc Andre Fleury (goal): Most of the talk around the league regarding the Hawks involves the availability of goalie, Marc Andre Fleury. Fleury has undoubtedly been the Blackhawks MVP this season and though the team has a losing record and will miss the playoffs again, imagine how worse the team would be if they didn't have the Flower in the nets. He has been responsible for many "goalie" wins when otherwise they had no business winning. He has kept the team competitive most nights and other contending teams with questionable goaltending will be inquiring about Fleury. There will be teams very interested, especially for last year's Vezina
winner, possibly the Leafs, Oilers, Wild or even the Golden Knights could take him back (though, I
would be shocked!). Fleury was only signed to a one year deal for this season, so unless they are planning to re-sign Marc Andre or he expresses he would like to stay in Chicago, the best thing of both parties would be a trade. Fleury could have a chance to compete in the playoffs and the Blackhawks could get a worthwhile return for their valuable asset. Fleury's recent history in the playoffs hasn't been a slam dunk that he'll be a difference maker, but his experience and competitive drive have been noticeable this season despite the collapse of the team early in the season. Will he be traded? Not totally convinced he will leave. 7/10
- Calvin de Haan (defense): One of the premier shot blockers and defensive defensemen in the league, I expect de Haan will attract some interest. The fact that de Haan will be a UFA after this season and the Hawks want to give some of their younger prospects an opportunity, now is the time to trade de Haan. As much as I like Calvin, he could fetch maybe a second rounder, a first might be too hopeful (which would be better than nothing if they let him walk this summer) and if Chairot can get a first rounder in 2023, a prospect and a 3rd rounder in 2022, this is a realistic request. Will he be traded? Very likely. 8/10
- Erik Gustafsson (defense): I'm not sure why the Hawks signed Gus, even at the league minimum salary, his hockey skills have noticeably deteriorated since his first time around with the Hawks. During last year's playoffs with the Canadians, Gus saw spot duty when he dressed and really the only time he played was on the power-play. He played as if the puck was a live grenade and I grimaced whenever play was in the Canadian's zone. This season he hasn't been awful, but his reliability and play on the point of the PP is nerve-racking. He's also a UFA, but I can't see him being in demand, maybe the Oilers will take him. Will he be traded? Probably not. 5/10
- Patrick Kane (forward): Kane's name has come up in trade rumours, but he's untouchable, right? I'm not so sure, Kane has one more year left at 10.5 mil and Kyle Davidson, the new permanent GM stated he would let Kaner decide if he wanted to stay for a rebuild or play elsewhere. I'm sure Davidson would at least look at what is offered back. I thought earlier in the season Kane's play was uninspired and he seemed uninterested, but he has turned in a solid season and his play with DeBrincat may have sparked his play. He's chasing Hawks records, he's now 2nd all-time for assists and points, so maybe he's content playing in Chicago. I can't see him leaving this season, but this could be a serious discussion over the summer or next season. I personally would like to see him finish his career in Chicago, I would hate to see him go elsewhere to haunt his former team. Will he be traded? Doubtful 4/10
- Dominik Kubalik (forward): Dom is due to be a restricted free agent this summer after his 3.7 mil per/yr expires and though his value right now isn't high, he is expected to be paid more. The Hawks really can't afford him as his dollar value this season hasn't brought the returns they were expecting as Kubalik has struggled to score goals with only 11 so far. He is a streaky, but elite scorer and when he gets on a roll he is one of the most dangerous shooters on the team besides the Cat and Kane. He's trended downward since his first season when he sniped 30 goals and last year a disappointing 17. He's played up and down the lineup, with the opportunity to play on the top lines and the second PP unit and it would be shame to give up on Dom, but if he can get back a good return it should be considered. Supposedly, Anaheim, Edmonton and possibly Winnipeg might be interested. Will he be traded? Good chance 7/10
- Dylan Strome (forward): A month ago Strome would have been near the top of the list of players that could be traded, but now it's less likely. If they wanted to trade him his value has definitely increased as he's had a pretty good couple of weeks, so they might want to reconsider. The Hawks depth at centre isn't deep, especially when Toews is out, Dach might be better suited to wing and Ryan Carpenter might not be around long (see below). Riding high on the top line with DeBrincat and Kane, we should see how this goes since Strome is showing signs he was worthy of being a high first rounder. I'm worried if he's dealt they won't get a fair return. Will he be traded? Not likely 6/10
- Ryan Carpenter (forward): Carpy is one of those players that could be a good addition to a playoff bound team. He's a good penalty killer, excellent fore-checker and a solid defensive 4th line forward, perfectly built for the playoffs. He's a character guy that isn't afraid to stand up for his teammates, a very valuable asset for any team. He's on an expiring contract and he's a good bang for his 1 mil. Will he be traded? Very possible. 8/10
- Brandon Hagel (forward): I heard that there have been inquires about Hagel. he is exactly the kind of player you want on your team. He is a relentless hustler, energizer bunny with " a nose over puck mentality" and this year has become a dependable scorer. He's fourth on the team in scoring and second in goals with 21, but the question is, can we expect more from Brandon or is this a one-off. Judging by his work ethic and the effort he puts out every shift it's hard to bet against him. He is a 6th round pick and if it's true team's are offering a first rounder he has exceeded expectations. He's a low cap hit and has two more years on his contract after this year. Personally, I wouldn't trade him. Why take the gamble of a draft pick for a player that you know what you have. There have been so many disappointing first rounders the Hawks have drafted and traded for that it's not worth the risk. Will he be traded? I hope not! 5/10
- Alex DeBrincat (forward): Apart from Fleury, the Cat has been the best Hawk this season. His goal scoring has been one of the few bright spots and consistency for team offensive. He has one more season at 6.4 mil (cap hit) and if I were the GM I would be talking extension as early as this summer. He has become one of the top elite goal scorers in the league, so I know there would be great interest if the Hawks were to insanely trade him. I would say he's the only untouchable (my opinion) player on the present roster. Will he be traded? No way! 2/10
There are a few other players on expiring contracts (Kurashev (RFA), Lafferty, C. Jones, Lankanen, Dach (RFA), but I don't think any of them will be traded. I can see the Hawks re-signing all of them to reasonably affordable contracts. I'm expecting the Hawks to make a few deals, but it won't be a fire sale. I'm guessing a lot of deals might happen on the weekend, so stay tuned!
Up next: What will the Jets do at the trade deadline?
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