Deadline Primer: Chicago Blackhawks

With the trade deadline fast approaching, we will be taking a closer look at the situation for each team over the coming weeks.  Where do they stand, what do they need to do, and what assets do they have to fill those needs? Next up is a look at the Chicago Blackhawks.

After missing the playoffs last season, the expectation in Chicago was that they’d turn it around this season.  A slow start cost Joel Quenneville his job but it didn’t help their fortunes any.  As a result, the goal now is simply avoiding finishing dead last in the Central Division for the second straight year which likely isn’t going to make for a particularly exciting few weeks leading up to next month’s trade deadline.

Record

18-24-7, seventh in the Central Division

Deadline Status

Seller

Deadline Cap Space

$20.919MM in a full-season cap hit, 0/3 used salary cap retention slots, 48/50 contracts per CapFriendly

Upcoming Draft Picks

2019: CHI 1st, CHI 2nd, BOS 4th, CHI 5th, TB 5th, CHI 6th, ANA 7th
2020: CHI 1st, CHI 2nd, CHI 3rd, CHI 4th, CHI 5th, CHI 6th, CHI 7th

Trade Chips

The thought surrounding the Blackhawks is that they’re probably going to try to make a splash in free agency this coming summer and take one more shot with this core.  If that is indeed the plan, Chicago will be limited to primarily looking to move rental players.

Of those, center Marcus Kruger is probably the most notable.  He isn’t the impact third line center he was during his first stint with them but teams are always looking to shore up their depth down the middle and their penalty kill and he could potentially help in both categories.  He also has plenty of playoff experience which may interest some teams.  Veteran goalie Cam Ward has a no-move clause but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team try to convince him to waive it for a shot at another playoff run.  Winger Chris Kunitz has been speculated as a depth winger for a few teams already and like Kruger, he has considerable postseason experience under his belt.  Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, none of these players are likely to bring back a return of any consequence.  Instead, they’ll probably only yield a late-round draft pick or comparable prospect.

In terms of non-rentals, depth players are likely the only ones they’ll be looking to move at this time.  Forward John Hayden is believed to have drawn some interest but given his struggles this season, any return would likely be negligible.

Five Players To Watch For: F John Hayden, F Marcus Kruger, F Chris Kunitz, F Brendan Perlini, G Cam Ward

Team Needs

1) Stockpile Younger Assets: While the Blackhawks have done well the last couple of years in terms of bringing some quality prospects into the fold, this is still not a particularly deep group.  If they do indeed want to make a run at a top free agent (Artemi Panarin is sure to garner consideration if he indeed makes it to the open market), they’ll need some young and cheap talent to fill out their roster.  If they’re looking for shorter-term help, taking players currently in the minors instead of late draft picks back for their rentals may be Bowman’s preferred approach.

2) Find A Goalie Of The Future: The concussion issues for Corey Crawford have basically ruled him out as a long-term solution between the pipes beyond his current deal that expires next season.  He’s going to be a significant injury risk whenever he makes it back on the ice.  Ward isn’t the solution either.  Collin Delia may have some upside but he’s a safer bet as a backup than a starter and the same can be said for Anton Forsberg.  They don’t really have a starter in the making in their system.  There may be a young goalie or two that becomes available between now and the deadline and if that does happen, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Chicago go after them.  At the very least, it’s insurance for Crawford but they will need a replacement for him in the fairly near future as well.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.