4 players the Chicago Blackhawks could move before Friday's trade deadline

The NHL Trade Deadline is set for Friday, March 7, and the Blackhawks are expected to be sellers as they continue their rebuild.

Chicago is 31st in the standings with a 19-35-8 record and is looking to move pieces for future assets.

Playoff teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild are searching for depth while Stanley Cup contenders like the Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets are looking to bolster their roster.

Nonetheless, the Blackhawks have intriguing pieces that can help those teams. Here's a look at the top four players who could be moved before the deadline.

1. Ryan Donato

Ryan Donato is the main target for the Blackhawks on the trade board.

The 28-year-old has been one of the team's top offensive contributors, leading the Blackhawks in goals (23) and has 8 points (four goals, four assists) in his last five games. He notched his 100th career goal in the Blackhawks 4-3 overtime loss to the Senators Thursday.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Donato could be a great fit for a team that's in playoff contention or needs depth scoring. Teams like the Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Edmonton Oilers could acquire him before the deadline.

2. Connor Murphy

Connor Murphy is known for his blue line presence. His size, physicality, and leadership could attract teams who could go on a deep playoff run.

However, his $4.4 million cap hit through the 2025-26 NHL season could make this trade complex.

If the Blackhawks are willing to retain some of his salary, teams like the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, and Edmonton Oilers could add Murphy to strengthen their blue line for a deep playoff run.

3. Petr Mrazek

Petr Mrazek has struggled this season, posting a record of 10-19-2 with a 3.46 goals-against average and a .890%.

With the addition of Spencer Knight, Chicago now has four goalies on their roster: Petr Mrazek, Arvid Soderblom, Spencer Knight, and Laurent Brossoit (who is on IR). According to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, Blackhawks coach Anders Sorensen said that Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom will rotate with each other in the crease with Petr Mrazek not in the mix.

Despite his inconsistency, Mrazek could attract teams who are in need of a veteran goalie. However, Chicago may struggle with finding a team who needs him considering his performance and his $4.25 million cap hit.

4. Lukas Reichel

Lukas Reichel was expected to stick around for the rebuild. However, the 22-year-old has had a rough season, notching 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists) in 53 games played this season and averaging 12:13 TOI/G.

Despite his performance, he still has value and potential to be a great player for the Blackhawks in the future.

If Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson receives an intriguing offer, they may consider moving him. However, Chicago may hold onto him and give him time to grow.

Looking Ahead

With the trade deadline approaching, Davidson will have to play his cards right and decide to move on from these players to acquire future assets or hold onto them for the remainder of the season and trade them in the offseason.

Petr Mrazek and Ryan Donato are the most notable trade candidates. Connor Murphy and Lukas Reichel could also be on the move, but highly unlikely they'll get traded. Reichel is a key player for the Blackhawks' rebuild so it's a 50% chance the Hawks wouldn't trade him.