Chicago Blackhawks: Trade deadline possibilities – Part I
1. Marcus Johansson
The New Jersey Devils are not having the best season and it is certainly not the type of season they envisioned after a surprising trip to the playoffs last season. They are sellers this trade deadline and have some very nice pieces available to anyone willing to pay.
None better than left winger Marcus Johansson. He has been one of the Devils’ better forwards in recent weeks and would definitely fit nicely in the Blackhawks’ top 6 group. He would fit in perfectly on a line with Patrick Kane or could even play on the top line with Toews. There is even a place for him on the third line depending on how the team would want to handle it. He would likely be a great addition to the second power-play unit as well.
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New Jersey never really had a chance to have a healthy Johansson and their Hart Trophy-winning left wing Taylor Hall in their lineup at the same time. That is disappointing but that could lead to Johansson being dealt since he is on an expiring contract. New Jersey would be looking for some assets in return for him and the Blackhawks might be willing to pay that price if making the playoffs is a priority for them.
They probably do not see themselves as a lock to make a run with some elite teams at the top of the Western Conference so they will likely not move their first-round draft pick this deadline. With that said, the Devils got a second round pick for Brian Boyle who is good but less productive than Johansson. The would probably take a second round pick + a prospect. The Blackhawks have decent goaltending and some generation talents on their team so they could be willing to pay that price to attempt a few playoff upsets.
Let’s say the Blackhawks offer that second round pick and Dylan Sikura. By the time Sikura has a chance to be a true difference maker Toews and Kane might be on the serious decline. Toews is in the middle of a career year offensively and Kane is on pace to have another 100 point season and in contention for the Hart Trophy once again. This is the type of team that can sneak in and makes a run.
Johansson is very good offensively so the price may be sort of steep but he would help the Blackhawks on the offensive side of the puck big time. He has been very hot lately as he has 10 points in his last 11 games and 20 in his past 28. Excellent production for a guy who would fit in any middle six in the NHL. The Blackhawks might be able to score some serious goals if Johansson were added.
Marcus Johansson could be just the guy that puts the Blackhawks over the edge. They would have to pay a decent price for him but with Kane and Toews playing they are and the goaltending finally getting the job done this could be just the trade the Blackhawks need.