The Chicago Blackhawks need to blow up the roster now

Missing the playoffs is imminent for the Chicago Blackhawks. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Hawks should consider blowing it up and setting the future in full rebuild mode.

After finally naming a full time GM, it is time for the Hawks to use that to their advantage. They need to trust the decisions he makes so they can try to get the correct return for trading big stars.

With so many bright stars in Rockford (who have made a few appearances in the NHL) and with Kane and Toews needing new contracts, offloading to a contender this season makes sense.

Lukas Reichel’s first year between the Blackhawks and Ice Hogs has been strong. At this point, in 39 games he’s averaging about 1 PPG. He is the team leader in goals with 16, assists with 22, and points with 38. It has been a magnificent year s far.

Shortly behind him is Ian Mitchell. Mitchell has also seen time in the NHL and the AHL over the past two seasons. He has 18 assists, 8 goals, and 26 points in Rockford. In Chicago, he has 8 points in 47 games with 3 goals and 5 assists.

Collin Delia has been a strong goaltender in the AHL with 302 goals against in 111 games. He is sporting a 2.80 GAA and a .908 SV% which is outstanding. Delia has a 3.69 GAA and a .903 SV% in 26 NHL games.

It is time for the Chicago Blackhawks to rebuild the entire roster of players.

The Hawks have younger pieces in the locker room that they can keep. Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Strome, Kevin Lankinen, and a few players in Rockford could be kept because they need to focus on their development. Moves like this could set the future head coach up for success in the years to come.

At this point in the year, not enough games remain for the Blackhawks to contend and push for the playoffs. In a division as strong as the Central and a Wild Card race as tight as the Western Conference’s, the Hawks are toast.

Even if the Hawks did make the playoffs, a first-round exit is basically guaranteed at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche.