3 sound moves the Blackhawks should make at the trade deadline

Philip Broberg could bring value to the defensive core

If there is one player it wouldn’t hurt the Blackhawks to acquire, it’s Philip Broberg, whose time with the Edmonton Oilers hasn’t gone anywhere near as planned. Drafted eighth overall back in 2019, Broberg has yet to make a lasting impact in Edmonton, and it’s likely that the Oilers will insert him into a trade package when they ultimately buy at the deadline. 

While acquiring Broberg is a risk, given his failure to break out or even become a reliable player, his potential should entice a team like the Blackhawks to make a move. Broberg will only be 23 when the 2024-25 season begins, meaning he would be roughly the same age as nearly half of Chicago’s current rotation, assuming they all return next season. 

If the Blackhawks acquire Broberg and he finally makes the successful permanent jump to the NHL, then they land a steal. Ideally, Chicago could send someone like Donato and perhaps one more current player to Edmonton and land Broberg, plus perhaps a mid-round pick or two in return should they make such a move. If he doesn’t work out, then it still wouldn’t cost the Blackhawks too much in hindsight.