5 Chicago Blackhawks Expected to be Traded Before Deadline

The Chicago Blackhawks are a team to watch as we approach the March 3 trade deadline. The team is the worst in the NHL and appear to be on track to win the NHL Draft Lottery and add generational talent Connor Bedard next season. This season however, expect to see general manager Kyle Davidson very active before the trade deadline as these five Blackhawks are expected to get moved this season:

Patrick Kane

The conversations have yet to take place, but expect to see Kane and his reps speak with Davidson to let the team know where Kane wants to finish this season out. The New York Rangers and LA Kings appear to be the early favorite, with the Boston Bruins a wildcard at this point. Kane's production has slipped a touch this season, however his resume speaks for himself and there's going to be a ton of teams hoping the Blackhawks legends pick them to join.

Jonathan Toews

Like Kane, Toews is expected to notify management where he'd like to play; have to love those no-movement clauses. Toews is likely heading to the Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins or Colorado Avalanche. He's back to full strength after a couple of scary years and can be the shut-down centerman any team needs heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Max Domi

One player who might actually stay in Chicago, Domi has been linked to several teams already this season. Domi has performed well in his first season with the Blackhawks, with 26 points in 38 games. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames have all been linked to the 27-year-old.

Domi on his future:
“We’re all part of the #Blackhawks right now & focused on helping this team win…This is a business. Whatever happens, happens. I’ve said from day 1, I love it here. Love this locker room, the coaches, & the fans in the city. We’ll see what happens.”

— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) January 3, 2023

Andreas Athanasiou

There's a number of playoff-bound teams who are looking to secondary scoring and speed off the wing. Athanasiou is as fast as they come and at $3 million is on a reasonable contract. The only issue is, the speedy winger hasn't performed well in his first season in Chicago, putting up just 12 points in 37 games. Chicago may have to retain some salary for the rest of this season to get the return they want here.

Jake McCabe

One Blackhawk who still has some term remaining on his deal, McCabe has been linked to a number of teams this season. He's signed through the 2024-25 season at $4 million, and could provide a number of teams with some help killing penalties and blocking shots. McCabe impacts the game with his physical play and while he's not a pending free agent, he's a trade candidate out of Chicago. The Oilers are one team to watch here as McCabe checks a lot of boxes for the team. The Blackhawks blueliner holds a seven-team no-trade clause and can have some say in the matter.

Photo credit:  Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports