Blackhawks Rumors: Expect Another Veteran To Move On, Via Trade

It's been a heckuva week for rumors out of the Windy City, but now we can get back to the standard variety trade talk. And after losing two veteran players—Taylor Hall and Corey Perry—for the rest of the season (in Perry's case, forever), the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks will be turning their attention to offloading yet another seasoned NHLer in Tyler Johnson.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion is in his third season with the Hawks, and continues to bring invaluable experience to the young squad while playing in the top six on many nights. As a pending unrestricted free agent after the season, however, Chicago is certainly poised to move him for some assets in the coming weeks or months.

Tyler Johnson goes top shelf for his sixth goal of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/Ypi4vXJAZu
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 29, 2023

After potting 20+ goals in four of his first six seasons in the NHL, the 33-year-old Johnson has slowed down in recent years, and should settle into more of a complementary role for a playoff-bound team upon being dealt.

He's wrapping up a 7-year, $35M contract with a $5M cap hit, and won't be able to secure an AAV like that in free agency next summer. The Hawks might have to retain some salary to move him, in return for a reasonable draft pick.

Johnson is currently sporting six goals and eight points in 20 games this season while playing just over 15 minutes a night, after notching 12 goals and 32 points in 56 games in 2022-23.

Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports