Blackhawks' Final Guide for 2023 NHL Trade Deadline

The Chicago Blackhawks are the furthest thing from contenders leading up to the March 3 trade deadline, and they're expected to continue their mass exodus of players this winter.

Chicago already indicated during the offseason that it would be a seller by trading Kirby Dach and Alex DeBrincat at the 2022 draft, but other veterans such as Patrick Kane could be on the move now, too.

The Blackhawks have been the worst team in the NHL this season and, entering Thursday, sat eighth in the Central Division with a 20-32-5 record.

With a significant chance to win the NHL draft lottery and land the No. 1 overall pick to select the best player in the 2023 class in Connor Bedard, the team will be looking to maximize its draft assets this winter.

So, let's take a look at some players who could be on the move and what the return might look like.

Patrick Kane has been involved in trade rumors all season as he's in the final year of an eight-year, $84 million contract and could fetch the Blackhawks a significant return that may help accelerate their rebuild.

However, the 34-year-old hasn't made a decision regarding whether he wants to stick around and be part of that. Considering he has a no-movement clause on his deal, he's able to decide whether he wants to be traded this winter.

That said, Kane has had his eyes on a couple of teams as possible destinations. TSN's Carlo Colaiacovo told First Up on Feb. 14 that the star winger would be open to accepting a move to the Toronto Maple Leafs or New York Rangers.

A three-time Stanley Cup winner, his experience would be a major asset to either of those teams. And while the Rangers already acquired Vladimir Tarasenko from the St. Louis Blues, Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported Feb. 22 that the Blueshirts "have signaled they will try to make" a deal for Kane work if he is willing to waive his NMC.

Kane, a consistent 20-plus goal scorer over his 16-year career in Chicago, has notched 16 goals and 29 assists for 45 points in 54 games.

Because of his talent, Kane is expected to cost a first-round pick, another draft pick and a quality prospect, per Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli. That's similar to the deal that sent Claude Giroux to the Florida Panthers last season in exchange for Owen Tippett, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2023 third-round selection.

Jonathan Toews was once considered a prime trade candidate for the Blackhawks as he's in the final year of an eight-year, $84 million contract.

However, the Chicago captain is no longer on the market after announcing Feb. 19 that he is still dealing with symptoms of long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome, which landed him on injured reserve.

"It has been really challenging to play through these symptoms," Toews said in a statement. "In the last few weeks, it has reached the point where I had no choice but to step back and concentrate on getting healthy. I am thankful for the patience and support of my teammates, the coaching staff, and the entire Blackhawks organization."

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson confirmed to ESPN's Emily Kaplan that the 34-year-old will not be traded this winter and that the franchise will continue to support him in his recovery.

Toews missed the entire 2020-21 campaign with chronic immune response syndrome. He appeared in 71 games during the 2021-22 season, tallying 12 goals and 25 assists, and has notched 14 goals and 14 assists in 46 games this year before being placed on injured reserve.

Beyond Kane and Toews, the Blackhawks have numerous other assets who could be dealt this winter, with one of them being veteran defenseman Jake McCabe.

The 29-year-old is under contract through the 2024-25 season after agreeing a four-year, $16 million deal that holds an average annual value of $4 million. His price tag is very reasonable, and he should be a top target for teams that miss out on the likes of Arizona Coyotes star Jakob Chychrun.

McCabe has notched two goals and 17 assists for 19 points in 54 games. His defense-first style of play is something that has become more difficult to find in today's NHL that has many offensive-style defenseman.

According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the former Buffalo Sabres player has been drawing "steady interest" from contending teams since Feb. 11 and the Blackhawks are eyeing a first-round pick for the veteran.

However, LeBrun also noted McCabe's price could go up if the Blackhawks retain any salary in a deal.

Max Domi will be a free agent after the 2022-23 season, so it's no surprise he's on the trade block for Chicago.

Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff listed the 27-year-old on his list of trade targets, noting that while the market on the winger has been quiet in February, it should heat up closer to the March 3 deadline.

Domi was also on the trade block last season and was ultimately switched from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Carolina Hurricanes at the deadline. He then signed a one-year deal with Chicago in free agency ahead of this season.

The Canadian is on pace for a career year with the Blackhawks, having notched 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points in 57 games. While the attention has been on Kane and Toews, Domi could prove to be a solid depth addition for any contender down the stretch.

Acquiring Domi wouldn't cost much for contending teams, either, and it's possible he could be had for a mid-round draft pick(s).