Trade Bait or Building Block: What Will the Blackhawks Do With Max Domi?

On Tuesday morning, Scott Powers at The Athletic published a piece discussing what he’s hearing about Blackhawks trade rumors. The majority of the piece is about Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, which makes sense; they’re the two biggest names potentially on the trade market/populating rumor mill(s) and they’re both franchise icons.

However, there’s another player that intrigues me more as we get into trade season. And that interest is on a number of levels.

Here’s what Powers wrote about the two veteran forward additions the Blackhawks made to their top six:

The Blackhawks would love to get high draft picks, maybe even first-rounders, in exchange for Max Domi and Andreas Athanasiou, but it doesn’t seem likely now. The market isn’t there, at least yet. The Western Conference executive thought Domi and Athanasiou could fetch third- or fourth-rounders.

Let’s talk about Max Domi for a moment, shall we?

According to Powers, the un-named executive told him “Domi probably has higher value than Athanasiou.” And that makes sense; he’s a center and, frankly, has been more productive this season.

The first part of this note on Domi that interests me is the relative value he’s hearing for Domi and Athanasiou, both of whom signed one-year, $3M deals this summer. The perception when those deals were announced was that they were both prove-it deals and clear rent-to-sell contracts; if they earned the prove it part, their value at the trade deadline would increase. And the $3M price tag at the deadline would be significantly easier to move than the $10.5M number attached to 19 and 88.

For his side of the conversation, Domi has been a magnificent addition for the Blackhawks. After scoring 11 goals in 72 games between Columbus and Carolina last year, he’s already put in nine through just 24 starts this season. He’s returned to the form that saw him score 28 and 17 in his two years with Montreal in 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively. And the 17 came in 71 games in a season that was interrupted by COVID.

The biggest question/concern I had regarding Domi coming into the season was how he would perform with the Blackhawks asking him to be the team’s top-line center. He wasn’t a great faceoff guy historically, so putting him on the line with Kane to open the season set a high bar; we didn’t know Toews was going to return to form as not only the best faceoff guy in the league but also find his scoring touch early in the season.

Back on Nov. 1, I wrote about the Blackhawks’ leading the league in faceoff percentage over the first month and noted that “in 501 games to start his career before arriving in Chicago, [Domi] had won 46.4 percent of his faceoffs.”

Domi answered that question emphatically with a great first month of the season at the dot. To date, he’s winning 57.7 percent of his faceoffs and has taken 331 faceoffs; which ranks second to Toews (447) but is well ahead of Jason Dickinson, who’s third on the team with 192 opportunities.

Here’s what Domi told me back then about working with faceoff jedi Yanic Perreault:

“Obviously as a team we’re doing pretty well at the dot,” Domi said. “It’s still early but we work it for sure. When you have someone like Yanick that helps you out who was one of the best – if not the best – ever and he gives you little tips here and there about playing the position. It’s a whole game within the game. Some of it’s mental but a lot it’s pretty simple stuff – stick positioning and whatnot – he’s helped me a lot with that kinda stuff.”

With Domi playing at a pace that could make him a 20-goal guy whose winning 57 percent of his faceoffs, he could be an incredibly attractive package at the trade deadline with what’s left of his $3M cap hit. So while the un-named executive is telling Powers that Domi might be able to fetch a third or fourth rounder, that might be selling low at this point relative to what’s he’s been doing and what teams might need a second or third line center at the deadline.

However…

Here’s what Domi said when he was introduced to the Chicago media back in July:

“I’m super happy to be in Chicago. Like I said earlier, [they were] one of my favorite teams growing up. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews were two of my favorite players growing up. You look at probably the best American player of all time already [in Kane], and then you have Johnny Toews, and as a Canadian boy, it’s him, and Sid [Sidney Crosby] were the two guys you looked up to. So, the chance to play with those two guys, to wear that jersey, and play for Luke [Richardson] are the biggest reasons why I chose Chicago, and I’m super happy with my decision, and I can’t wait to get started.”

I put the part about Richardson in bold for a reason. Domi had options last summer; he was coming off a nice playoff performance for the Canes (three goals, three assists in 14 postseason games). He may not have had long-term options, but he could have probably found a two-year deal somewhere or more than $3M.

But he chose Chicago, in part, because he wanted to play for Richardson again. They have a great relationship and Domi is playing his best hockey since he was with Richardson in Montreal.

Domi is also a solid character guy who has emerged as a leader with the team. So he’s producing, playing the game the way the front office wants it to be played (read fast and with an edge), and he loves the head coach.

That sounds like a guy you might want to consider being around for the next step(s) of the rebuild, right?

Like Kane and Toews, when UFA hits this summer there’s a chance the Blackhawks have a conversation with Domi about returning to Chicago. And that could happen, whether he finishes this season in Chicago or not. He’s playing himself into a nice payday, worthy of a multi-year commitment. And the Blackhawks will certainly have the roster and cap space to make that work here.

So the question Kyle Davidson and his front office team now need to answer is if the juice is worth the squeeze. Is Domi more valuable to the roster for this complete season than what they would get back in a trade? And will Domi play himself into better assets (read: a higher pick) that makes the answer to that question harder to answer? Or do they value what he brings on and off the ice enough that they not only keep him through the deadline and offer him an extension?

For now, it’s been fun watching Domi skate for the Blackhawks. He’s an easy guy to cheer for and has engaged with the city of Chicago and the fans well.

written by

Tab Bamford has been writing about the Chicago Blackhawks for almost two decades. He joined Bleacher Nation as the lead Blackhawks writer in May 2022. Tab is a member of the Professional Hockey Writers Association and is the author of two books about the Blackhawks: "100 Things Blackhawks Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die" (Triumph Books) and "Chicago Blackhawks: An Illustrated Timeline" (Reedy Press, 2021). Find him on Twitter/X/Instagram/Threads at @The1Tab

more blackhawks news

Connor Bedard Named NHL’s No. 2 Star of the Week

On Monday, the NHL named its three stars for last week. Blackhawks rookie center Connor Bedard was named the league's No. 2 Star of the Week. Tampa's Nikita Kucherov was the No. 1 star and Minnesota's Marc-Andre Fleury was No....

Korchinski Praise, Kaiser Recalled, Big City Bedard, Ludwinski, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

Luke Richardson had some nice things to say about Kevin Korchinski last night. He was asked about Korchinski scoring the game-winning goal, and complimented him for taking the shot rather than deferring in that moment. The coaches have loved his...

Blackhawks 5, Sharks 2 — Three Stars, Key Takeaways

The Blackhawks' defense picked up where they left off on Friday night, watching the Sharks take a two-goal lead in the opening period. Not a good start by any means; the Hawks were out-shot 11-8 in the opening 20 minutes...

You’ve Gotta See This Blackhawks Prospect’s Game-Winning Goal Celly

Blackhawks prospect Paul Ludwinski is having a really good year as the captain of the Kingston Frontenacs. On Sunday, wearing all green for St. Patrick's Day, Paul "O'Ludwinski" (as they called him on their social channels) finished his hat trick...

BN Blackhawks Prospect Watch: College Three Stars (March 18)

We're reaching the point of the college hockey schedule that fewer Blackhawks prospects are in action. Taige Harding and Connor Kelley saw their Hockey East run come to an end, and Michigan went into Minnesota and pulled off the upset;...

Blackhawks vs Sharks – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

Welcome to the Tankathon, folks! Slackin' for Macklin is on display tonight. The worst two teams -- by point percentage -- in the National Hockey League will take the ice this evening at the United Center with the Sharks in...

Reichel Returns, Dach’s OT GWG, College Action, and Other Blackhawks St. Patrick’s Day Bullets

Happy St. Patrick's Day to those celebrating (or hydrating after Saturday). The Blackhawks have an early evening puck drop against the only team in the league with a worse record than them, the San Jose Sharks. With today being a...

2024 NHL Mock Draft: Post-Trade Deadline First Round Projections

We're now more than one full week past the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, so we're able to sort out all of the picks that have been moved (thus far). And, as you might assume, a good number of the first-round...

Rookie Learning, Reichel Recalled, Perry Payoff, College Action, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

A subtle little moment last night in the Blackhawks' room after the game. Jason Dickinson spoke with the media first, and was his usual, eloquent self. The other player available was Landon Slaggert after his NHL debut. Predictably, the smile...

WATCH: Landon Slaggert Takes Rookie Lap (Without A Bucket)

Landon Slaggert got the rookie lap treatment before making his NHL debut for the Blackhawks on Friday night. Fittingly, the team was beginning its celebration of St. Patrick's Day, so the former Notre Dame captain took the ice surrounded by...

Latest News

OH MY: ANTHONY EDWARDS JUST HAD THE BEST DUNK OF THE YEAR

Anthony Edwards has done it again. The emerging Minnesota Timberwolves superstar jammed the most impressive poster dunk of the season against the Utah Jazz on Monday night. Pushing the pace in transition during the third quarter, Edwards passed the ball...

De’Aaron Fox Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Grizzlies – Monday, March 18, 2024

To beat his 3-point prop, De'Aaron Fox must make three from beyond the arc on Monday, when his Sacramento Kings face the Memphis Grizzlies, tipping off at 10:00 PM ET.De'Aaron Fox's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the GrizzliesDe'Aaron Fox's over/under for...

Malik Monk Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Grizzlies – Monday, March 18, 2024

Will Malik Monk make three 3-pointers when the Sacramento Kings face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at 10:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Malik Monk's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the GrizzliesMalik Monk's over/under for three-pointers...

Bogdan Bogdanovic Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Lakers – Monday, March 18, 2024

At 10:30 PM ET on Monday, it'll be the Atlanta Hawks against the Los Angeles Lakers, with Bogdan Bogdanovic needing three trifectas to beat his 3-pointer prop.Bogdan Bogdanovic's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the LakersBogdan Bogdanovic's over/under for three-pointers in this...

Anthony Davis Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Monday, March 18, 2024

The Los Angeles Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks at 10:30 PM ET on Monday, and one of the 3-pointer over/unders available for this clash requires just one make from Anthony Davis.Anthony Davis' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksAnthony Davis' over/under...

Dejounte Murray Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Lakers – Monday, March 18, 2024

To beat his 3-point over/under, Dejounte Murray must make four from downtown on Monday, when his Atlanta Hawks face the Los Angeles Lakers, tipping off at 10:30 PM ET.Dejounte Murray's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the LakersDejounte Murray's over/under for three-pointers...

D’Angelo Russell Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Monday, March 18, 2024

To beat his 3-point over/under, D'Angelo Russell must make three from beyond the arc on Monday, when his Los Angeles Lakers play the Atlanta Hawks, starting at 10:30 PM ET.D'Angelo Russell's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksD'Angelo Russell's over/under for...

LeBron James Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Monday, March 18, 2024

To beat his 3-point over/under, LeBron James needs to make three from downtown on Monday, when his Los Angeles Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday at 10:30 PM ET.LeBron James' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksLeBron James' over/under for...

Finally, a Team Wanted the Reigning NL Cy Young Winner

The rumors all wound up being true: Blake Snell would take a two-year deal in the $60 million range, the Giants were probably the favorites now, and the pressure was on to get something done. Per Jon Heyman, it two...

Damian Lillard Pulled Up to Watch the Bulls Play the Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard wants to be traded to the Chicago Bulls confirmed. The Milwaukee Bucks All-Star starter was a surprise guest at the Chicago Bulls' Monday night game. Lillard made the drive down from Milwaukee for an opportunity to sit courtside...

more blackhawks news