Chicago Blackhawks: No Trades Yet Means Something

There were rumors of multiple possible trades from the Chicago Blackhawks. After a big win against the Predators, maybe they’ll hold off until Monday.

There were a lot of rumors surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks and trading players brought up during the last 24 hours. The most-likely trade was Erik Gustafsson being traded out of Chicago. The team didn’t play him last night. There is also a rumor that Gustafsson won’t be traveling with the team as they go to Dallas.

As the Blackhawks near the end of their season, many fans want them to become a seller. Stan Bowman may have other plans though.

Here are my two cents, if the Blackhawks win on Sunday, don’t sell, if they lose, they can start to sell. Here’s why, if the Blackhawks win on Sunday, they’ll be four points out of the playoffs. That changes everything. If they lose, they’ll remain six points out but they’ll be closer to running out of time.

With 21 games left, the Blackhawks do have time to make a run. They just have to win the winnable games. Sunday against the Stars is very winnable. If they lose to the Stars, they’ll remain six points out. Their next game after that is against the Blues.

Of course, that’s after the trade deadline. They’ll have to make their decision Sunday night. The Blackhawks play on Sunday at 3 PM on the east coast. The trade deadline is on Monday at 3 PM on the east coast.

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They’ll have around 21 hours after the game to decide what their goal is. I don’t see the Blackhawks buying, The only beneficial trade I could see the Blackhawks do is switching. Switching as in trading a defenseman for a different one, or a forward for a different forward.

They could trade a play who is equal to a different player to save cap space for the summer. There are a lot of options Bowman will have on Monday.

If the Blackhawks would have lost last night, they would have remained eight points out of the playoffs. That would have called for the team to prepare to sell. As mentioned already, if they win tomorrow, they’ll be just four points out of the playoffs.

There is no need to sell when in the hunt. I wouldn’t buy if I’m Bowman either though. The Blackhawks have needs but they can’t give up too much for one playoff run. They’re very close to being a successful hockey team again. Giving away assets for one run hurts the future.

Selling hurts the future too though. I’m opposed to selling when you’re hopeful for a playoff spot. It’ll just have them re-starting their rebuilding cycle. The Blackhawks should stand-pat unless they get a crazy good offer that will benefit the future of the team.