NHL Rumors: 2 Chicago Blackhawks Drawing the Most Trade Interest

Earlier this season reports started flying out of the windy city stating the Chicago Blackhawks were open for business and talking trade on just about all their players. The only 'untouchables' cited were Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and newcomer Seth Jones. Beyond that, free for all and we've seen the rumors swirling ever since. Here's the two Blackhawks who are drawing the most trade interest around the league:

Kevin Lankinen

You would think all the attention has been on Marc-Andre Fleury but it's actually Kevin Lankinen that's drawn more trade interest from Chicago's crease. The 26-year-old burst onto the scene last season and while he hasn't enjoyed the same success in 2021-22, he's been solid on a bad team and his $800,000 cap hit is a premium figure. Every contending team can make this number work which is one of the biggest reasons there's been so much interest in the pending free agent. Teams rumored to be interested include the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and the Florida Panthers. Teams are awaiting the Finnish netminders return from the injured reserve which appears to be right around the corner. He's appeared in 13 games so far this season, posting a 3.41 goals against average.

Brandon Hagel

If you want to acquire Brandon Hagel from the Chicago Blackhawks you better be willing to pay a steep price. The 23-year-old is one of the hottest names on the NHL's trade market at the moment as he's signed for two more seasons at only $1.5 million and has 14 goals and 27 points in 45 games in 2021-22. Hagel was a 100-point player in junior, torched the American Hockey League the next season and put up 24 points in 52 games his rookie season and hasn't slowed down since.

Brandon Hagel should be one of the most interesting players before the Trade Deadline. He's underrated player in our eyes and could be very good add for any team. Young, good forward. In the end, the Blackhawks maybe just should keep him. pic.twitter.com/EVJU4CuVEF
— Andy & Rono 📊 (@HockeyStatsCZ) February 17, 2022

The Blackhawks will only move the young forward for a first-round pick and top prospect so we'll have to wait to see if teams are willing to pay the premium to acquire the team-controlled winger. The Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils have all shown interest to this point and we'll see what transpires before the March 21 trade deadline.

Photo credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports