The Chicago Blackhawks are staring down a steep climb in the Western Conference playoff race. Sitting sixth in the Central Division and trailing the Anaheim Ducks by 10 points for the final wild card spot, the writing on the wall is starting to look pretty clear: Chicago is likely headed toward seller territory as the trade deadline approaches.
And that brings us to Matt Grzelcyk.
The veteran defenseman, a pending unrestricted free agent, has become a name to watch as trade chatter picks up. He’s the kind of player contending teams love to target-steady, experienced, and capable of moving the puck with purpose. If the Blackhawks decide to make him available, there are a few teams that could make a lot of sense as landing spots.
Pittsburgh Penguins: A Familiar Fit
Don’t be surprised if the Penguins come calling. Grzelcyk isn’t a stranger to Pittsburgh, and his previous stint there was anything but forgettable. He posted career highs in both assists (39) and points (40) while wearing a Penguins sweater last season, and that kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed-especially for a defenseman.
This year, Pittsburgh has been one of the league’s more pleasant surprises. With playoff hopes alive and a roster that’s shown it can punch above expectations, the Penguins could look to bolster their blue line for the stretch run.
The left side of their defense could use a little more depth and puck-moving ability, and Grzelcyk checks both boxes. A reunion here wouldn’t just be nostalgic-it might be strategic.
Buffalo Sabres: Depth with Upside
Buffalo’s playoff push is still a work in progress, but one thing is clear: they could use more depth on the back end. Grzelcyk wouldn’t need to be a top-pairing guy in Buffalo, and that’s the beauty of the fit. He could slide into the bottom pairing and give the Sabres a reliable, mobile option who can help in transition and provide insurance in case of injury.
Even if he ends up as a seventh defenseman in the rotation, that’s a valuable role come playoff time. Teams don’t win in the spring without depth, and Grzelcyk offers just that-along with the experience of having played meaningful hockey in high-pressure situations.
Colorado Avalanche: A Power Play Boost?
The Avalanche are always in “win now” mode, and they’ve been linked to Grzelcyk in the past. That interest could resurface, especially given Colorado’s need for a little more stability and creativity on the blue line. The Avs have struggled to find consistency on the power play this season, and Grzelcyk’s skill set could offer a new wrinkle.
He’s not going to quarterback a top unit, but he’s smart, mobile, and capable of making quick reads under pressure. That’s the kind of presence that can help jump-start a stagnant man advantage or give the second unit some added punch.
What’s Next for Chicago?
For the Blackhawks, moving Grzelcyk would be about more than just recouping assets. It’s about continuing to shape a roster that’s clearly in transition. With the playoffs looking like a long shot, flipping a pending UFA like Grzelcyk makes sense-especially if there’s a team out there willing to pay for his experience and versatility.
Whether it’s Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Colorado, or someone else entirely, there’s a good chance Grzelcyk’s name comes up more and more as the deadline nears. And if Chicago’s front office is listening, they might just find a deal worth making.