The Blackhawks are at a bit of a crossroads. After dropping a shootout to the Wild on Tuesday, they now sit six points out of a wild-card spot.
That’s close enough to keep things interesting, but let’s be real-this isn’t a team built to make a deep playoff run just yet. What they are building, though, is something that could become dangerous in the not-so-distant future.
Connor Bedard and a handful of other young players have already shown they belong in the NHL. The talent is there, no question.
But the roster is still overwhelmingly young, and with youth comes inconsistency. Even if they sneak into the postseason, it’s hard to imagine this group making serious noise against more seasoned squads.
And the youth movement isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Chicago has been loading up on prospects for years, and that wave is starting to crash into the NHL.
Right now, 11 players on the roster are 24 or younger. That number could grow soon, with guys like Anthon Frondell, AJ Spellacy, Gavin Hayes, Nick Lardis, Sam Rinzel, Kevin Korchinski, and Ethan Del Mastro all pushing for full-time NHL roles in the near future.
That means decisions are coming. The Blackhawks will need to clear space-not just on the roster, but in the lineup-for the next generation.
And with the trade deadline looming on March 6, the front office has an opportunity to start reshaping things now. They’re no longer in full rebuild mode, hoarding picks and prospects, but they’re still in a position to move veterans to contenders and open up room for their developing core.
Let’s take a look at a few names who could be on the move.
Matt Grzelcyk
He’s flown under the radar this season, but Matt Grzelcyk has been quietly effective-and incredibly valuable-for Chicago.
Signed off a professional tryout in September, he’s played a steady, responsible game on the blue line. But what really makes him attractive at the deadline?
His cap hit: just $1 million. For a playoff-bound team looking to shore up their defense without breaking the bank, that’s a golden ticket.
Grzelcyk won’t wow you with highlight-reel plays, but he’s dependable in his own zone, and that’s exactly what contenders crave in the stretch run.
Connor Murphy
It’s starting to feel like the end of an era for the longest-tenured Blackhawk.
Connor Murphy, 32, has been a rock on the right side this season, using his veteran savvy to protect the young guns and never hesitating to step in when things get physical. His $4.4 million AAV deal is up this summer, and with Chicago focused on the future, it’s likely he’ll be moved as a rental.
The Blackhawks are in a good spot to retain salary if needed-they’ve got two retention slots open-so a playoff team could grab Murphy at a discount. He brings leadership, playoff-style grit, and solid defensive play.
That’s a recipe for a valuable deadline pickup.
Ilya Mikheyev
Now here’s where things get interesting.
Ilya Mikheyev has been one of the most impactful players on the Blackhawks this season. His speed is electric, and his relentless forecheck has kept Chicago in more games than the box score might show.
But with his contract set to expire this summer, the team faces a tough decision.
At 31, Mikheyev might be eyeing one more multi-year deal. If that’s the case, Chicago may have to let him walk-or, more wisely, trade him while they still can.
On the other hand, if he’s open to a shorter-term extension-say, two years-the Blackhawks would likely jump at the chance to keep him around a little longer. Anything more than that, though, and he risks blocking the path for younger forwards like Spellacy, who could fill a similar role for less money and more upside.
Either way, Mikheyev’s name is going to be a hot one as the deadline approaches. Whether he’s moved or re-signed, the decision will say a lot about where the Blackhawks see themselves in their rebuild timeline.
Chicago’s not in fire-sale mode, but they’re clearly still shaping their roster with the future in mind. The kids are coming, and the front office knows it.
With a few smart moves, they can open the door for the next wave while adding assets that could pay off down the line. The playoffs might be a long shot this year-but the long game?
That’s where the Blackhawks are playing to win.