The Chicago Blackhawks’ rough opening to the 2026-27 season has already put one veteran name into the trade conversation.
At 3-6-0, Chicago is staring at the kind of start that can change how a front office thinks about the rest of the year. If the Blackhawks are still buried in the standings as the trade deadline approaches, pending unrestricted free agents could become obvious candidates to move.
One of the first players drawing attention is Teravainen.
"The Blackhawks aren’t likely to make many moves other than potentially trading their 2027 first-round picks, but Teravainen could be a trade candidate. He’s on an expiring contract and began the season as a healthy scratch," Powers wrote.
That combination matters. Teravainen is on an expiring deal, and he opened the season on the sidelines. If Chicago is not in the playoff picture and has no intention of keeping him beyond this season, moving him would at least fit the direction of a team looking ahead.
There’s also reason to think he could still bring back interest. His 2025-26 season was a tough one, but he has a solid track record and has come out of the gate better this year.
Through seven games in 2026-27, he has two goals and five points. Not long ago, he put up 58 points in 82 games for Chicago in 2024-25.
For now, his situation hinges on where the Blackhawks go from here. If they stay near the bottom, Teravainen looks like a name to watch. If they climb into the playoff race by deadline time, keeping him would likely make the most sense.
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The pause could also prove useful for a blue line that has already had to adjust. Bowen Byram has been sidelined recently, and Ethan Del Mastro has stepped into the lineup in his place over the past two games, giving the coaches one more thing to monitor as the week off unfolds. With Montreal next on the schedule, the Blackhawks will be watching closely to see whether the break helps settle one of their lingering roster questions. [Read more 🡒]