NEWSLETTER
During the intermission report during Game Three of the Western Conference Final on SportsNet in Canada, Elliotte Friedman included the Blackhawks in his “teams to watch” list. And in so doing, revealed a little bit about the team’s intentions this offseason.
Let’s take a listen:
It sounds (again) like the #Blackhawks are open for business
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) June 5, 2022
Here’s the quote, in case you couldn’t watch/listen:
“Also a team to watch over the next few weeks is going to be Chicago. They have three players with no-move clauses, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Seth Jones, so don’t count them because they’re not on the market. But other than that, the Blackhawks are testing the value of anyone that other teams want to ask about. They’re willing to listen, they’re willing to hear. As another GM said, ‘It’s like Brandon Hagel … Can you make them an offer that makes them want to seriously think about it.'”
Friedman basically excludes only Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Seth Jones from the discussion because of their no-trade clauses (which can be waived, by the way). But he’s reporting anyone else on the roster could be had … if the price is right. Though it’s important here to recognize that Friedman did not say the Blackhawks were actively shopping players like Alex DeBrincat, who has one year remaining on his contract. And they aren’t putting up a fire sale sign at the United Center. Instead, it’s more like active listening and next-to-no untouchables, which is the correct attitude to have at almost any time, but especially for a team that needs to rebui.d
Also important to remember: Kyle Davidson had plenty of players he could have traded before the trade deadline this past season. Many expected Calvin de Haan and Dominik Kubalik to be gone, even if at pennies on the dollar. But, to his credit, Davidson didn’t trade everyone he could have just for the sake of making a deal. When he did trade, he received solid value.
So the grain of salt fans need to employ when listening to Friedman here is where he brings up the Brandon Hagel trade (in which Davidson acquired two first-round picks and two players). The Blackhawks are going to listen — they should — and if someone wants to blow them away with an offer, they’ll consider making a deal.
