Edmonton Oilers & Chicago Blackhawks Emerging as Trade Partners

Keep an eye on the selling Chicago Blackhawks, and the buying Edmonton Oilers. The two teams are aligning for a trade ahead of the March 7 deadline, with Blackhawks' forward Ryan Donato front and center.

Donato, 28, is the Blackhawks' biggest trade asset heading into the deadline, as he's only making $2 million against the cap, doesn't hold any trade protection, and is having a stellar season with 19 goals and 37 points in 53 games. The Oilers have just under $1 million in deadline cap space, so there's certainly a chance Chicago will have to retain some money in the deal, which is something Blackhawks' GM Kyle Davidson has been open to in the past. Reminder he traded Taylor Hall, and retained $4 million on Mikko Rantanen for the Hurricanes, just to secure another third-round pick.

As far as Oilers trade candidates go, Vasily Podkolzin could be a player to watch, along with prospects Beau Akey, and Olivier Rodrigue. Recently, hockey insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff touched on Donato as a trade target and had this to say:

Donato has been a model of consistency in Chicago. He’s been impactful and competitive and someone both coaching staffs in Chicago have relied upon in the midst of a career year. Donato is also relatively inexpensive and could be a quality under-the-radar addition.

Look for the Blackhawks to cash in on their rental, as the Oilers are in the market for top-nine help, and Donato fits the bill perfectly.

So, who is going to overpay Ryan Donato, who is shooting at 15.3% this season? I mean, is Donato good this season? Yes. Is Donato worthy a 2nd round draft pick? I don't think so. Will Donato play a 2nd line minutes in playoffs team? I don't think so. We'll see what happens. pic.twitter.com/wbO5l4YQzl
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) February 10, 2025