Chicago Blackhawks: Three trade packages with the Edmonton Oilers

Trade 1

The Chicago Blackhawks probably should have traded Erik Gustafsson after last season. He had a fantastic season that saw him have 17 goals and 43 assists for 60 points. That is great production from a guy who was a late bloomer offensively. Any level of production like that from the blue line would help any team. Especially one with some skill at forward like the Oilers have.

Gustafsson would be a great addition to the Oilers. They would pretty much use him to help them offensively at even strength and on the power play. He is not having the same type of year with the Hawks that he did last season as he only has six goals and 19 assists for 25 points in 54 games. Those are certainly not bad offensive numbers for a defenseman that gets 20 minutes of ice time.

That said, they might get less of a return for Gustafsson than they would have if they traded him over the summer with a full year. He is on an expiring contract so he would be a rental for anyone who acquired him unless he resigned. That is why a second-round pick would be a great haul for the Hawks for Gustafsson. The Blackhawks do not currently have a second-round pick so this would be their opportunity to get one back.

He isn’t going to make our break Chicago’s playoff chances so letting him go for a second-round pick would be a smart move. Both teams would more than likely benefit from a trade like this, as long as the Hawks scouting department does their homework.