3 sound moves the Blackhawks should make at the trade deadline

Injuries decimated what was already a rebuilding Blackhawks team, so unless they are interested in acquiring a high-potential piece at the trade deadline like Kaapo Kakko, Chicago has players like Tyler Johnson, whose contracts are expiring next season and would make solid trade pieces. Therefore, don’t be surprised if they try to move others who could warrant solid returns, or at the very least, help create more cap space for 2024-25. 

Other than Johnson, who else makes sense to move before the trade deadline? To make this exercise simple, we won’t list anyone who is currently slated to be a restricted free agent, especially since many of those players could be solid fits around Connor Bedard. Instead, we will look to move older, more established talents whose presence elsewhere could help a team in contention reach the playoffs and compete for a Stanley Cup.  

There is also one high-potential player other than Kakko who the Blackhawks should strongly consider acquiring if they want to further maximize their rebuild. 

Ryan Donato is a versatile player who can help fuel another team’s bottom-six

The Blackhawks wouldn’t get much for Ryan Donato, but this is all about creating space for the future. So, putting his $2 million cap hit onto another team would work well here. Donato wouldn’t fare well on the top-six, but the lower lines are a spot where the versatile forward can slide in and play a gritty role. 

Teams seeking an edgy skater with a strong defensive approach would be interested in adding Donato, whose 36 takeaways are about to match a career-high set during his time with the Seattle Kraken in 2021-22. He’s also been one of the more physical forwards for Chicago this season, landing 61 hits.

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.