NHL Trade Buzz Heats Up as Deadline Looms: Blackhawks Among Active Sellers
With the Olympic roster freeze just days away, the NHL trade market is heating up-and fast. Teams with playoff aspirations are beginning to make their moves, while those on the outside looking in are shifting toward the future. The Chicago Blackhawks fall firmly into the latter category, and despite a respectable January showing, they’re expected to be sellers ahead of the 2026 trade deadline.
Let’s break down what’s happening in Chicago, take a look at some rising talent within the organization, and then zoom out to the rest of the league, where big names and bold moves are starting to shape the second half of the season.
Blackhawks Trade Watch: Three Names to Monitor
The Blackhawks have picked up points in nine of their 14 games this month, but make no mistake-this is a team still firmly in rebuild mode. According to Chris Johnston’s latest trade board, three Chicago players on expiring contracts have landed among the top 40 trade candidates across the league. While all three are technically in play, there’s a growing sense that only two are likely to be moved before the Feb. 4 roster freeze.
That’s not a reflection of value-it’s more about timing, fit, and what the market is offering. For the Blackhawks, any deal that brings back future assets is worth exploring, especially if it helps lay a stronger foundation around cornerstone pieces like Connor Bedard.
A Painful Loss, but Signs of Growth
Tuesday night’s shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild stung-and not just because of the final score. The Blackhawks blew a 3-0 lead and watched a strong performance unravel into a 4-3 defeat.
For a young team trying to build confidence, that kind of collapse hurts. But if you watched the game closely, there were silver linings that can’t be ignored.
Connor Bedard, back from injury, looked like the dynamic playmaker fans have been waiting to see. He found real chemistry with Frank Nazar on the top line, and the duo generated consistent pressure throughout the night. Defensively, the team held firm for most of the game, showing a level of structure that’s been missing at times this season.
Yes, the result was disappointing. But the performance? That’s something to build on.
Jack Pridham: Heating Up in the OHL
While the NHL roster is in flux, one of Chicago’s top prospects is making serious noise in junior hockey. Jack Pridham continues to light it up for the Kitchener Rangers, adding another primary assist in Wednesday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Owen Sound Attack. Initially thought to be his 32nd goal of the season, the tally was later credited to teammate Sam O’Reilly-but Pridham’s impact was undeniable.
With 19 points (8 goals, 11 assists) in his last nine games, Pridham is surging toward the top of the OHL scoring race. He’s now tied for second in the league with 61 points, just one behind leader Nathan Aspinall. The Blackhawks have to be thrilled with his development-he’s showing the kind of offensive instincts and consistency that could translate well at the next level.
Around the League: Trade Rumors, Hat Tricks, and Contract Extensions
The Blackhawks aren’t the only team making headlines this week. Here’s a quick spin around the NHL:
- Artemi Panarin’s Time in New York Nearing an End: The Rangers are shifting gears and Panarin, whose contract expires this summer, is likely on the move. He was a healthy scratch Wednesday for “roster-related reasons,” signaling that a trade could be imminent.
- Ondrej Palat Shines in Islanders Debut: Palat wasted no time making an impact, scoring a goal and adding an assist in a 5-2 win over his former team, the Rangers. Carson Soucy, also facing his old squad, chipped in with two shots and two hits in his Islanders debut.
- Ben Chiarot Gets Extended in Detroit: In a somewhat surprising move, the Red Wings handed 34-year-old defenseman Ben Chiarot a three-year extension worth $3.9 million per year. The deal runs through the 2028-29 season and signals Detroit’s continued faith in his veteran presence on the blue line.
- Bryan Rust Suspended Three Games: The Penguins will be without Rust for their next three contests after he delivered an illegal check on Brock Boeser. Pittsburgh head coach Dan Muse wasn’t thrilled with the length of the suspension, calling it excessive.
- Travis Konecny Records Another Hat Trick: Konecny’s three-goal night wasn’t enough to lift the Flyers past Columbus, but it marked the 29th hat trick of January-tying the NHL record for most in a single month, set back in December 1985. With a few days left before February, that record could fall.
- Maple Leafs in Crisis Mode: Things are getting tense in Toronto. Head coach Craig Berube reportedly held a closed-door meeting with the team’s leadership group ahead of a critical matchup with the Sabres. The Leafs are searching for answers-and fast.
What’s Next for Chicago?
With the Olympic freeze and trade deadline looming, the next few days could bring significant changes to the Blackhawks’ roster. Expect GM Kyle Davidson to be active, especially when it comes to flipping expiring contracts for future assets. At the same time, the continued growth of young players like Bedard, Nazar, and Pridham offers a glimpse into what the next era of Blackhawks hockey might look like.
This team isn’t there yet-but the pieces are starting to fall into place.