Chicago Blackhawks: Trade deadline possibilities – Part I

The Chicago Blackhawks are all of the sudden back in the playoff race. They could be buyers at the trade deadline, but how far are they willing to go? Or will they just stand pat?

What a difference a couple of weeks have made for the Chicago Blackhawks. Some of the big time hockey insiders were reporting that the team would be willing to trade Duncan Keith if he was also willing to move his no-move clause. There were also rumors of Brent Seabrook being asked to waive his so he could be shipped out of town. Neither of those looks likely at this point.

Instead, the Blackhawks very well might be buyers this trade deadline. The exact day of the deadline is February 25th, and from now until then you should expect to see lots of moves around the NHL. There could even be some big star names on the move before it is all said and done.

The question is whether or not Chicago still wants to sell. There is no reason not to attempt to get in at this point in a weak Western Conference Wild Card race. They really do not have many expiring contracts that would attract other teams and most of the rumors surround guys who are signed beyond this year.

Now if they were to be buyers at the deadline, what could they get? With Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane in their early 30s, the time to win is now. Keith and Seabrook aren’t what they once were but if put in a position to succeed they could be valuable to a winning franchise.

Could the Blackhawks Defeat the Winnipeg Jets, Nashville Predators or San Jose Sharks in a playoff series? Maybe not, but maybe they can because of the fact that generational talents plus a hot goalie have gotten the job done before.

What should the Hawks add if they want to make a run? Well, there are a few intriguing options for Stan Bowman to look at.