Grading the Chicago Blackhawks trade deadline moves

The NHL Trade Deadline has passed, and we are now looking forward to the second half of the 2024-25 season.

Nonetheless, the Chicago Blackhawks made strategic moves at the deadline, acquiring young talent while offloading veteran contracts.

Here's a breakdown and grade for each trade the Blackhawks made leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline on March 7.

January 15, 2025: Blackhawks acquire Dmitry Kuzmin from the Winnipeg Jets

Grade: A

Trade Details: Chicago acquired defensmen Dmitry Kuzmin from the Winnipeg Jets for defensemen Isaak Philips.

Analysis: Kuzmin was brought in to build chemistry with fellow Belarusian native Artyom Levshunov. Known for his mobility and offensive instincts, Kuzmin provides an immediate boost for Chicago's blue line and could be a key contributor in the near future.

January 24, 2025: Blackhawks send Taylor Hall to the Hurricanes in a Three-Way Deal

Grade: A+

Trade Details: Chicago traded Taylor Hall to Carolina, retained 50% of Mikko Rantanen's $9.25 million salary, and received a 2025 third-round pick from the Hurricanes.

Analysis: Hall's time in Chicago never really clicked. He spent most of his time with the Blackhawks sidelined because of injuries and struggled to make an impact. Sending Hall to a playoff contender was the right call. Chicago also retained half of Rantanen's salary and received a draft pick. This move helps clear cap space and creates opportunities for younger players to step up.

March 1, 2025: Blackhawks acquire Spencer Knight from the Florida Panthers

Grade: A+

Trade Details: Chicago acquired goaltender Spencer Knight and a 2027 first-round pick from Florida for defensemen Seth Jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

Analysis: The Blackhawks struggled to find their future goaltender, but they may have found one in Spencer Knight. He wasted no time making his presence known in Chicago, posting a 2-0-0 record with a 1.95 goals-against average and a .951% in his first two games. This trade benefits both teams. Seth Jones expressed frustration in Chicago and wanted to join a Stanley Cup contender while the Blackhawks acquired their No. 1 goalie they've been searching for.

March 7, 2025: Blackhawks acquire Joe Veleno from the Red Wings

Grade: B

Trade Details: Chicago acquired forward Joe Veleno from Detroit for goaltender Petr Mrazek and forward Craig Smith.

Analysis: With four goaltenders on the roster, Mrazek was the odd man out. Smith, a veteran forward, was unlikely to be part of Chicago's long-term plans. Veleno, a solid two-way forward, adds depth but isn't a top-line player. He made his Blackhawks debut Saturday March 8 in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators, logging 13:07 of ice time with a -1 plus/minus.

March 7, 2025: Blackhawks acquire Aku Raty, Victor Soderstrom, and Shea Weber's Contract

Grade: A-

Trade Details: Chicago acquired Aku Raty, Victor Soderstrom, and Shea Weber from Utah Hockey Club for a 2026 fifth-round pick.

Analysis: Raty and Soderstrom are promising young prospects that could play key roles in Chicago's rebuild. Raty is currently with the Rockford IceHogs (the Blackhawks AHL affiliate) while Soderstrom is playing for the Brynas IF in the SHL (Swedish Hockey League).

Along with the two young prospects, Shea Weber was involved in this trade, despite not playing. While taking on Weber's contract isn't ideal, it helps the Blackhawks with their cap space.

Chicago's trades this season did not disappoint. They acquired more young talents and moved out veterans who didn't fit in their long-term plans and continued building for the future.

The Blackhawks have played great hockey of late, going 3-0-2 in their last five games. If these acquisitions contribute and have an effective role, this could be a turning point to make the Blackhawks a playoff team again.