Chicago Blackhawks’ Asking Price For Anisimov Set By Brassard Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks could be looking to move Artem Anisimov, and the market has been established for such a trade thanks to another move.

Yesterday, the Pittsburgh Penguins temporarily set the market for centers when they acquired Derick Brassard from the Ottawa Senators (before the NHL nixed the deal). The Penguins traded a first-round pick, Ian Cole and goalie prospect Filip Gustavsson. Many believe Gustavsson to be an intriguing prospect.

With Brassard off the market after a later trade went through involving Vegas, the Chicago Blackhawks’ Artem Anisimov becomes the most intriguing center who could available via trade. While Brassard has 22 goals and 33 assists in the playoffs, Anisimov has eight goals and nine assists in his playoff career. We have seen in the past that center depth in the playoffs is extremely important. Teams with center depth usually go far in the playoffs.

Currently, Anisimov’s contract has a full no-movement clause in it until July 1. He would have to approve any trade until that time. Once July 1 comes, Anisimov has a 10-team limited no-trade clause.

If I’m the Blackhawks and Anisimov, you get a deal done now that benefits both parties involved. The trade deadline market is going to get the ‘Hawks a much higher price. Ottawa refused to move Brassard without a first-round pick involved and eventually it got what it wanted. The ‘Hawks should hold out for a first-round pick for Anisimov.

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Let’s face it, folks — the ‘Hawks are in a rebuild. If the ‘Hawks can get a haul close to Ottawa’s for Brassard, this would help the Hawks rebuild much faster.  It would also help the Blackhawks during their tanking phase, as the ‘Hawks should lose more without Anisimov. The ‘Hawks get a haul and get closer to hopefully winning the draft lottery. This would be a win in a season short on them.

Teams interested in Anisimov

One team that appears to be interested is Anisimov’s former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. John Jaeckel of The Rink is saying that Columbus is making the strongest push for Anisimov.   

Columbus is looking for a big-bodied center to play with Artemi Panarin. Who better than someone who has played with Panarin before? He did have career high in points while playing with Panarin last season, so the move makes sense.

This trade chatter could be picking up steam because as of Feb. 17 there were reports the ‘Hawks were not moving Anisimov. Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers said the ‘Hawks have told Columbus they are not trading Anisimov.

If the ‘Hawks and Columbus are indeed talking and willing to make a trade, it would not be the first time the two teams have made a big deal.  Would these deal be the rumored “big trade” that the Blackhawks have been working on since last week?

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Could Ryan Hartman also be included in the deal? We will have to wait and see. The trade deadline is Monday, Feb. 26.