Blackhawks' Top Players to Target and Avoid at 2024 NHL Trade Deadline
The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, as the league's 32 teams won't be allowed to make moves after 3 p.m. ET on March 8. It could pass by without the Chicago Blackhawks making any notable moves.
Earlier this winter, Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson indicated it could be a slow period of time for his team.
"We have a wealth of assets," Davidson said in December, per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. "That puts us in a position that we don't need to go and trade guys just to build up our base [of draft picks and prospects]."
Surprises can occur, though. Maybe the Blackhawks decide to flip one or more of their players for additional draft capital, or perhaps they even opt to bring a player or two in.
Here's a look at some players Chicago may want to target and avoid, should it decide to be more active on the trade market than previously anticipated.
Target: Kaapo Kakko, RW
If the Blackhawks trade for a player ahead of the deadline, it would need to be somebody who could become part of the team's long-term plans. That's why Kaapo Kakko would be a great target, should the New York Rangers decide they want to move him.
Kakko, 23, was the second player selected in the 2019 NHL draft. But he hasn't quite lived up to expectations, putting up smaller numbers than anticipated. This season, the Finland native has seven goals and four assists in 39 games.
It's possible that the Rangers don't want to give up on Kakko yet. And Chicago shouldn't overpay to try to land Kakko, who will become a restricted free agent.
However, there's still enough time for Kakko to become a more impactful player in the league. So if New York is ready to move on, then the Blackhawks should strike, as long as the asking price isn't too high.
Target: Philip Broberg, D
Another young player who the Blackhawks should consider targeting (if available) is Philip Broberg. The 22-year-old Edmonton Oilers defenseman was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft out of Sweden.
Broberg hasn't played a ton in the NHL (only 79 games over the past three seasons), and he's appeared in only 10 games for the Oilers this season. Right now, he's dealing with an injury that has kept him out of action.
It could be time for Broberg to get a chance of scenery. He still has plenty of potential, but he may need a fresh start with a new organization to help him get more NHL ice time.
Again, Chicago shouldn't overpay for a young player of this caliber. But it should at least keep tabs on the market for somebody like Broberg, who will be an RFA after the season.
Avoid: Beck Malenstyn, LW
Not all younger players are great trade targets. For example, Beck Malenstyn isn't a player who the Blackhawks should consider if the Washington Capitals make the 26-year-old forward available in deals.
It isn't yet clear if the Capitals will be buyers or sellers at the deadline, but it wouldn't be too surprising if they end up the latter. If that's the case, they could be willing to move Malenstyn, who has already set career highs in games (57), goals (six), assists (10) and points (16) this season.
However, Malenstyn doesn't have a long track record in the league. Plus, his best fit is on a lower line where he can thrive on penalty kills. He's a useful player, but also not one that would likely be a hot commodity in trade discussions.
Chicago doesn't need to go after a player like Malenstyn before the deadline. So if it decides to make a move, it should look for a better fit and likely an even younger player.