3 Chicago Blackhawks Trade Candidates Heading into 2024 Offseason

The Connor Bedard show has been everything as advertised this season, unfortunately after that, there hasn't been much to cheer about in Chicago. GM Kyle Davidson is expected to continue to rebuild heading into the summer months and look for the Blackhawks executive to try and pull off a few moves at the draft, to set up his team for success down the road. 

The Blackhawks enter Thursday's action with a 19-45-5 record, good for second last in the league. They'll be hopeful to win the NHL Draft Lottery in back to back seasons. While Davidson surprised many with his free agent spending last summer, let's zone in on some trade candidates heading into the 2024 offseason:

Seth Jones

If the Blackhawks get enough interest where they can land some high-end draft picks and an NHL ready prospect, they'll be interested in moving Seth Jones. The towering defenseman is signed through the 2029-30 season and at 29 years old, is not likely going to be around when the team is winning hockey games. Chicago would be better off to move on from Jones, collect a king's ransom and continue to rebuild around Bedard. Jones has 26 points in 54 games this season and has multiple 50-point seasons on his resume. He does hold a full no-movement clause, however being moved to a Cup contender is likely something he's very interested in.

Connor Murphy

The other Connor in Chicago, Murphy has battled injuries the entire season. He's only appeared in 43 games, collecting eight points and with two seasons left on his contract at $4.4 million, he's a prime trade candidate this summer. Murphy's 30 and again isn't going to be around when the Blackhawks start contending under the Bedard regime. The team is better suited to move him and allow some younger defensemen to develop and keep collecting lottery picks.

Ryan Donato

Donato is signed through next season at a reasonable $2 million AAV and holds some trade value. He's produced 10 goals and 22 points in 65 games this season and doesn't have any trade protection on his contract. He's bounced around a ton in his career and could very well be heading to another city this summer. 

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