2 early Blackhawks trade candidates after missing 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Chicago Blackhawks were arguably the best team in the NHL during the early 2010s. They won three Stanley Cups with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews leading the way, but things haven’t been pretty ever since.

Chicago only has one postseason appearance since 2017-18. The team has regularly drafted prestigious prospects in recent years, but it has yet to lead to winning. Connor Bedard, Artyom Levshunov, and Anton Frondell were all top-three draft selections by the franchise over the last three years, and the former was even viewed as one of the most highly touted prospects in recent memory. The Blackhawks were still at the bottom of the Central Division standings this season, though.

They are slated to again have a high draft pick come June, but it might take more than the acquisition of young amateurs for the team to finally take the next step. A trade would accelerate the rebuild. So, who are trade candidates that the Blackhawks should pursue this offseason?

Blackhawks should pursue star talent from Maple Leafs

Like the Blackhawks, the Toronto Maple Leafs were also at the bottom of their respective division. The team has tons of star talent, but it hasn’t amounted to much. The team hasn’t advanced past the second round in over two decades, and they missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs altogether this year.

Big changes could be coming for the team this offseason, and Chicago should take advantage. Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, and John Tavares have all been rumored as trade candidates already. Knies was even a trade deadline target for Chicago earlier this year. William Nylander is another name who could emerge as a trade candidate, and he’d be a great fit for the Blackhawks.

Nylander can play the center or right wing positions. This versatility would be beneficial in Chicago, where he could be a first liner alongside Bedard or a second-line center. He is also under contract for six more seasons. Nylander led the Maple Leafs in assists (49) and points (79) this past season. His 30 goals ranked second on the team, too, and this was despite playing just 65 games. Nylander could be the veteran presence that the Blackhawks need to become playoff contenders.

Hawks should trade for someone with championship pedigree

The Florida Panthers won back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals before a down season ensued this year. They will look to contend again next season, but the team may be forced into making some trades this offseason. Evan Rodrigues was on both of Florida’s recent title teams, and he could bring his winning ways to Chicago if the Blackhawks were to trade for him.

Rodrigues was rumored to be a trade candidate at the deadline, and with Florida looking to re-sign Mackie Samoskevich, the Panthers might look to cut costs by trading Rodrigues. The center has been above 30 points in each of the last five seasons. In Chicago, he’d provide depth and physicality, and it likely wouldn’t take too much to acquire him.

A young, up-and-coming team needs a leader who knows the ropes. The Blackhawks might be closer to contending than most would give them credit for, but they still need forwards who can push the pace offensively. Rodrigues is a leader and one of the best trade candidates this offseason. A trade for him could help the Blackhawks reach their fullest potential in the next few years.

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