Blackhawks Trade Deadline Hub: Updated Rumors, Destinations, & More

The next big date on the NHL calendar is March 7, the trade deadline. The Chicago Blackhawks should be very active between now and then. They have a handful of veterans on expiring contracts that will catch the eye of contending teams. There are a few dark horses, too. Tracking down all the trade rumors is hard. We add as many as possible to our daily Morning Chirps, but now we will put them all in one place. The Blackhawks Trade Deadline Hub will be updated as more speculation emerges. So, make sure you head here after reading your Morning Chirps!

Ryan Donato

It’s been quite the season for Ryan Donato. He went from wondering if he had a spot on the roster to setting career highs in goals and points. Last season, he was asked to improve his skating, and he put in the work to do so and has been amply rewarded for it. While he might be the team’s most valuable trade chip, he’s also become a player who could stick around beyond this season. The Blackhawks want to be a team that’s hard to play against, and Donato fits that mold.

Over the last few weeks, the debate has raged on whether to trade Donato or sign him beyond this season. His trade value has never been higher, but his work ethic and leadership might be more valuable than the second or third-round pick you get for him. Scott Powers of The Athletic recently wrote that general manager Kyle Davidson has not ruled out a contract extension. The smart way to play this is to set your price high, and if you don’t get it, re-sign him. You don’t need to make trades for the sake of making trades. At some point, this team needs some continuity.

Possible Destinations:

Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks

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Seth Jones

There hasn’t been a more polarizing Blackhawks player in quite some time than Seth Jones. Fans have been wringing their hands over his contract since former general manager Stan Bowman put pen to paper. The bottom line is that Jones’ contract has never hindered the team from making moves, and it won’t going forward either. Now that the salary cap is skyrocketing, his cap hit becomes even less harmful.

However, that hasn’t stopped his name from hitting the trade rumor mill. Davidson doesn’t have to trade Jones. He’s still a damn good defenseman, and the contract is not the albatross some think it is. I don’t move him in any trade that involves salary retention. I’m not going to pay half of Jones’ salary for the next five seasons for him to play elsewhere; I’d rather pay the whole thing and have Jones on the roster.

Jones recently told Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times that he hasn’t officially requested a trade, but his agent and Davidson have had “back and forth” discussions about getting him a contender.

Trade Details

Jones was traded to the Florida Panthers on March 1 for goaltender Spencer Knight and a 2026 first-round pick. They are retaining $2.5 million of his $9.5 million salary.

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Pat Maroon

Davidson brought in Pat Maroon last summer more for what he brings off the ice than what he does on it. Even though he still has silky mitts and will drop the gloves with anyone, his leadership and three Stanley Cup rings are why he is among the most respected guys in the locker room. He should get some interest from multiple contenders, but don’t expect much more than a sixth-round pick for him, which is what the Boston Bruins gave up acquiring him a year ago. Davidson may let Maroon decide if he wants to move on to a playoff run. He doesn’t have a no-trade clause, but if he says he wants to play out the season here, the Blackhawks will likely respect his wishes. After all, who is going to miss the sixth-rounder he’d fetch?

Possible Destinations:

Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning

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Alec Martinez

Like Maroon, Alec Martinez has a wealth of experience, and his name has been engraved on the Stanley Cup three times. His season has not been great. Injuries have kept him out of the lineup for nearly half the season. If the Blackhawks were to move him, they would likely have to retain part of his $4 million salary. He’s been playing on the top pair with Jones in Chicago, but he’d be a third-pair defender on a contender. Playing fewer minutes against the bottom six will improve his numbers. He’s another player who will likely dictate if he’s traded. Even with retention, I can’t imagine getting more than a fourth-round pick for Martinez. So, keeping him to mentor young defensemen like Alex Vlasic might be more valuable.

Possible Destinations:

Florida Panthers, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars

Craig Smith

If Craig Smith can prove that he’s recovered from his back injury, he could fetch a late-round pick at the deadline. The veteran winger has good speed, plays in the dirty areas of the ice, and provides depth scoring and good defense. He’s the ideal trade candidate for a deep team looking for a fourth-liner who can bring energy and kill some penalties.

Possible Destinations:

Los Angeles Kings

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Connor Murphy

Even with one year left on his contract, Connor Murphy’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors. He’s another player Davidson doesn’t have to move if the price isn’t right. When he’s healthy, Murphy is a very good stay-at-home defenseman. Staying on the ice has been an issue for the veteran blueliner, who recently missed 13 games with a groin injury. The extra year and the recent health concerns might scare teams away, but you never know how desperate a team may get.

Possible Destinations:

Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators

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Petr Mrazek

It would be a surprise if Petr Mrazek were traded before the March 7 deadline. His numbers have taken a dip, he’s had groin injury issues, and he’s got another year left on his contract with a $4.25 million cap hit. It would likely take a significant injury for a team to call on Mrazek, but you never know.

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Philipp Kurashev

It’s relatively clear that the Blackhawks are ready to move on from Philipp Kurashev. He went from having a career-best season a year ago to being a regular healthy scratch this season. Don’t expect much in return if the team finds a taker for Kurashev. It will likely be a swap of players needing the dreaded “change of scenery.”