NHL Trade Rumors: 2 Chicago Blackhawks Trade Candidates for 2024-25

The Chicago Blackhawks have entered the Connor Bedard Era and season two starts in roughly a month. General manager Kyle Davidson has done a great job expediting the rebuild and spent the offseason trying to become a deeper team in every area of the ice.

While they are shooting for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot in the West, look for Davidson to stay busy on the trade market, with these two Blackhawks as prime trade candidates entering next season:

Andreas Athanasiou

The speedy winger only appeared in 28 games last season in the windy city and recorded two goals and nine points. Athanasiou is on the books this season for $4.25 million AAV and he does not hold any trade protection. Regardless if the Blackhawks are sniffing a playoff spot or not, there's going to be some talks involving the pending free-agent forward. While last season was a bit of a write off, the 30-year-old winger scored 20 goals the season prior and can provide some secondary scoring to a number of teams. Athanasiou only played 13 minutes per game last season, we'll have to wait and see how things shape up early on in Chicago with several new additions up front.

Alec Martinez

If Bedard and company can't make the playoffs this season, look for Martinez to be dealt before the trade deadline. The veteran three-time Stanley Cup winning defenseman signed a one-year deal with the Blackhawks this summer and while that wasn't necessarily a surprise, Martinez didn't receive any trade protection and can be moved at will. The 37-year-old blueliner spent the past four and half seasons in Vegas and will bring a ton of leadership tangibles to Chicago's young core. If the Blackhawks can't take that next step, look for contending teams to give up a mid-round draft pick to land Martinez on their back end.

Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports