The Chicago Blackhawks are eyeing a potential postseason appearance, but their journey hasn't been without its challenges. After a promising start, the team faced a setback when young star Connor Bedard suffered an injury, leading to a downturn in their performance. As we hit the Olympic break, the Blackhawks hold a 22-26-9 record with 53 points, placing them sixth from the bottom in the league and 10 points shy of the final wild card spot.
With the trade deadline looming on March 6th, the Edmonton Oilers might be interested in several of the Blackhawks' veterans who are nearing free agency. Notably, four Blackhawks players have caught attention on trade boards.
Let's explore who could be on the move if the Blackhawks continue to slide.
Oilers' Trade Needs
The Oilers, while currently in a playoff position, aren't quite the powerhouse that reached consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. They attempted to shore up their goaltending earlier this season, but the results have been underwhelming.
Defensive issues have plagued them, allowing too many high-danger chances, and their bottom six has struggled to contribute offensively. As the trade deadline approaches, the Oilers are in the market for a versatile winger for their top nine, a right-shot center for the third line, and a right-shot defenseman.
Potential Blackhawks Trade Pieces
Ilya Mikheyev
If Edmonton targets Ilya Mikheyev, they’d be adding a reliable middle-six winger with scoring ability. Mikheyev made his mark with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019-20 and had a breakout season in 2021-22.
His journey took him to the Vancouver Canucks and eventually to the Blackhawks, where he notched 20 goals and a career-high 34 points last season. This season, Mikheyev has 11 goals and 23 points in 52 games, projecting to 17 goals and 36 points over a full season.
Known for his penalty killing prowess, he could fit well on the Oilers’ third line or even alongside Leon Draisaitl.
Mikheyev's current contract has a $4.75 million cap hit, but with two retention spots available, the Blackhawks could reduce it to $2.375 million. He does have a 12-team no-trade list, making negotiations slightly more complex.
Jason Dickinson
Another intriguing option is Jason Dickinson, a veteran center who joined the Blackhawks from the Canucks. Known for his defensive capabilities, Dickinson has been a steady presence since becoming an NHL regular in 2018-19.
Although his 2023-24 season was a standout with 22 goals, injuries have limited his contributions this season. Despite this, his defensive skills and penalty-killing ability make him a valuable asset.
With a $4.25 million cap hit and no trade protection, Dickinson is a flexible option for teams looking to bolster their lineup.
Nick Foligno
Nick Foligno brings experience and leadership, having played for multiple teams including the Senators and Blue Jackets. At 38, he’s chasing his first Stanley Cup, and while his current stats may not jump off the page, his grit and veteran presence could be invaluable for a contender's bottom six. Foligno’s $4.5 million cap hit and lack of trade protection make him an attractive option for teams seeking depth and leadership.
Connor Murphy
On defense, Connor Murphy stands out as a solid shutdown option. A right-shot defenseman, Murphy has playoff experience and is known for his penalty-killing skills.
This season, he has four goals and 12 points in 57 games, aligning with his career averages. Despite playing against top competition, his defensive reliability could strengthen the Oilers’ third pairing.
Murphy’s contract carries a $4.4 million cap hit with a 10-team no-trade list, making him a key candidate for teams in need of defensive reinforcement.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Blackhawks have several players who could attract interest from contenders like the Oilers. With the right moves, both teams could significantly alter their trajectories as the season progresses.