Five Chicago Blackhawks that could be traded by the trade deadline

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Calvin de Haan, Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

The Chicago Blackhawks are a team that is planning on rebuilding over the course of the next few seasons. This trade deadline could offer an opportunity to add some assets to the team.

The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of moveable parts. While nothing is for sure yet as the season has not begun, let’s look down the line at how the Blackhawks can add some assets.

The ‘Hawks are going to want to make sure they put a few players on display throughout the first couple of months of the season. Having any of these players play their best throughout the season is going to help the Blackhawks get a better return.

We all know the Blackhawks are going younger. While their moves the past few weeks might not seem like they are doing a pure rebuild, their words have. So this new season will offer an opportunity to get some of the older players off of this roster, and hopefully, add some new prospects along the way.

So, let’s jump in with the five Chicago Blackhawks the team should deal before the deadline this coming season. We will highlight the player, why they should be traded, and what a good return could be.

1. Ryan Carpenter

Ryan Carpenter is under contract with the Chicago Blackhawks for the next two years at just a million dollars. He is a great piece to any team’s bottom six and he could help play a role on a team competing for the Stanley Cup.

Carpenter is not going to be a Chicago Blackhawk forever. By the time the Blackhawks start competing for a Stanley Cup he is going to be in his middle thirties as he is currently 29. At just a million dollars, a championship team that needs a good fourth liner should look at Carpenter. He can help with their penalty kill and win some faceoffs, and in return, the Blackhawks could maybe add a few draft picks or a prospect. Nothing too high, but a third-rounder could be a nice return.

If the Blackhawks manage to add a third or fourth-round draft pick for Ryan Carpenter they are gaining an asset that could potentially turn into a future NHL player for this team. Carpenter has been apart of some successful playoff teams in the past in Vegas and San Jose, his experience would be great for any team. Chicago also has some other players that could be dealt.

Andrew Shaw #65, Chicago Blackhawks Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Connor Murphy

Connor Murphy has a lot to offer to a team. He has size and uses it on the ice sometimes. He is great defensively and his contract is only at 3.85 million for the next two years. If the Blackhawks deal Murphy at the deadline it would not be a rental piece, it would be a capable player added to a roster for the future.

Murphy is only 27 and he has a lot of hockey ahead of him. While I wouldn’t mind seeing him in Chicago in the future, I do not think that Bowman and company are going to commit to him long term at the conclusion of his contract.

The Blackhawks want to focus on their young players. Trading Murphy would allow the Blackhawks to give bigger roles to Boqvist and Mitchell. While also maybe giving another player from Rockford a shot with this team.

3. Andrew Shaw

Andrew Shaw is an interesting case with the Blackhawks. First, let me say that I hope he is alright and is healthy after battling some concussions this past season. Assuming Shaw comes back and manages to play throughout the year with the team, Shaw could be a great asset the team could deal at the deadline.

While I do not think the Blackhawks are ever going to find a partner in a trade for Shaw thanks to his contract at 3.9 million a year for the next two years. If the ‘Hawks manage to hold two million on his contract they might be able to get a deal done.

Shaw is a great person and has always been an electric player in Chicago. If he comes back and is playing like himself then maybe the ‘Hawks can get a second-round pick back for Shaw assuming they retain some of his contract in the trade. However, even at 1.9 or 2 million, I do not know whether or not a team would bite at Shaw due to his injury history.

Dominik Kubalik #8, Chicago Blackhawks Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Dominik Kubalik

This one is going to take some convincing and I will do my best. Dominik Kubalik is coming off being nominated for the Calder Trophy. He just re-signed with the Blackhawks at 3.7 million for the next two years, and he is coming off a thirty goal season. Kubalik is 25 years old and has a long career ahead of him.

I recognize that Blackhawks fans are tired of the team trading away good players. Teravainen and Panarin getting traded away was frustrating to watch and Kubalik might spark a similar feeling. However, Dominik Kubalik is only signed for the next two years. He is going to be asking for a new contract at the age of 27.

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Assuming Dominik Kubalik does play at a similar level the next two years, he is going to be asking for a hefty pay raise when things are said in done in 2022. The Blackhawks are rebuilding, and Kubalik might be able to offer the Blackhawks a solid return at the trade deadline.

Let’s say a first-round pick and a top prospect for Kubalik, if not more. That is a pretty nice addition to this roster in the longterm. While I like what Dominik Kubalik brings to the team, I am not certain that he can play at the same level for the next two years.

5. Calvin de Haan

Like Connor Murphy, de Haan is under contract for the next two years. He is only at 4.55 million a season and he is a great top-four defenseman in the NHL. de Haan can help any roster defensively and can help elevate a roster.

The Blackhawks are serious when they say they plan to rebuild. Trading de Haan would help open up another roster spot for the future defense, and it would not be too much of a loss because it is unknown whether or not the team would re-sign him at the end of his contract.

All of these players are under contract for the next two years. Moving any of these players would allow the ‘Hawks to focus on the future. While I do not believe every one of these players will be dealt some of them could and should. They definitely should be on your radar.

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