3 players who could be traded this summer the Blackhawks must avoid acquiring

The Chicago Blackhawks would be wise to make a blockbuster trade or two for the right talent, but that shouldn’t be the case for a few serviceable players.

Jan 19, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Morgan Frost (48) battle for the puck with Chicago Blackhawks center Sam Lafferty (24) and defenseman Jake McCabe (6) during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

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Elvis Merzlikins/Columbus Blue Jackets

There is a good chance the Blackhawks look to acquire an experienced goaltender to serve as Petr Mrazek’s 1B. And on the surface, Elvis Merzlikins looks like a potential good fit as the Blackhawks can afford his $6 million salary this season before it starts falling over the next two years.

Plus, Merzlikins, despite recent struggles, once upon a time appeared to be on-pace for being one of the NHL’s fastest-rising netminders. A change of scenery would help him, and moving to a rebuilding team - assuming the Blackhawks aren’t on his no-trade list or that he would waive it if they were - could reignite his career.

But right now, Merzlikins comes with way too much risk, especially for a player who will be heading into what could be a make-or-break age-30 campaign. His future likely isn’t in Columbus, but it also doesn’t mean the Blue Jackets, despite his most recent performances, won’t try and fork a high price for the up-and-down goaltender.

For the Blackhawks, low-risk moves are the way to roll. And Merzlikins, despite giving wherever he calls home next season a potentially high reward, carries too much risk, even if the Blue Jackets don’t ask for a high price.

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