Three Trades The Blackhawks Should Make Before The March 7th NHL Trade Deadline

The Chicago Blackhawks will have no shot at playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2025.

It is painful to say, after the bill of goods we've been sold. But that doesn't mean the end is nigh, as GM Kyle Davidson should course correct.

Of course, that would mean selling off major assets and a few acquired in the last few years.

Those players who GM Kyle Davidson should prioritize trading are Seth Jones, Ryan Donato, and Tyler Bertuzzi.

The first two players will yield significant assets for the Hawks, as Donato can net the Blackhawks another draft pick.

Donato has played to his strengths this season and scored a career-high 19 goals and 37 points.

His value is the highest it's been during his entire NHL career. While he could net the team a second or third-round pick, the time to make calls to Stanley Cup contenders is now, while the NHL is on a break.

Seth Jones hasn't formally requested a trade from the Blackhawks organization, but his feelings about the rebuild haven't fallen on deaf ears.

Trading Seth Jones would relieve the team of his cap hit, whether by 50% or more. Relief is a relief ( $4.25 million is a nice windfall), when you're attempting to bring up the youth movement, veterans are an anchor who could weigh you down.

Jones has been generating interest and despite the obstacle of a no-movement clause to overcome, GM Kyle Davidson can make it happen.

Why Bertuzzi?

Tyler Bertuzzi is an inconsistent winger, who benefitted from playing on Toronto's top line last season with Auston Matthews.

The hype that has surrounded Bertuzzi's entire career has been based on his ability to play in the dirty areas and stick up for his teammates.

It's true he's scored a lot of goals with the Blackhawks this season he's been a failure at creating plays.

And I don't remember seeing him fight too much this season, as he's left that responsibility to Nick Foligno, and Pat Maroon.

In 55 games he's only scored 28 points (11 G, 17 A), a 41-point pace this season.

A dismal output for someone whose been given every chance to thrive in Chicago, including being placed on Connor Bedard's line.

I'd ship Bertuzzi to the first team who would take him for whatever assets I can get.

I would use the freed-up space to trade for a winger like Trent Frederic who plays with some grit, and would add some needed scoring depth to the lineup.

While he's not having one of the best years in his career, he can thrive in a place that doesn't place a significant burden on his shoulders, as he'd fit the rebuild timeline.

More importantly, he'd save the Blackhawks cap space, and give the team flexibility as Frederic can play both on the wing and center.