The First Chicago Blackhawk to be Traded Won't be Patrick Kane?
The Blackhawks have an abundance of defensive prospects, but the majority of them are logjammed in Rockford by aging defenders on the Blackhawks main roster. Alex Vlasic, Alec Regula, Isaak Phillips, and Ian Mitchell have all seen limited time in Chicago this season, but are ready to take the next step in their development. With the trade deadline quickly approaching, what defensemen should the Blackhawks trade?
Jake McCabe has had a career resurgence this season and has often been the most noticeable defenseman on the Blackhawks roster on many occasions. McCabe is a +/- 5 this season, which is a drastic turnaround from his +/- -27 he registered last season. He's averaging 19:32 of ice time per game this season and is on pace to approach his career high in blocked shots, hits, and points.
It has been reported that the Blackhawks are asking for a 1st round pick plus another pick or prospect in return for McCabe. If the report is accurate and the Blackhawks can get a haul relative to the rumor, then Davidson should pull the trigger.
The other defenseman the Blackhawks should explore moving is Connor Murphy. Murphy hasn't had the flashiest season offensively, but he has tightened up his play in his own end of the ice significantly since last season. Murphy is a +/- -1 this season, which is better than his +/- -14 he posted last season. Murphy's time on ice has dipped a little this season, but he is in line to match his career high in blocked shots and shooting percentage this season.
Murphy only has a $4,400,000 cap hit and still has remaining years left on his contract. While he wouldn't be a rental, teams who miss out on the premier defensemen on deadline day may make the Blackhawks an offer they can't refuse.
| POLL | ||
Which defenseman should be traded? | ||
| McCabe | 51 | 41.1 % |
| Murphy | 11 | 8.9 % |
| Both | 62 | 50 % |
| List of polls | ||
