The Chicago Blackhawks are facing another disappointing season, but rushing to unload veteran players at the trade deadline isn’t the answer. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Blackhawks’ top objective should be to sell judiciously, prioritizing quality returns over the sheer quantity of deals.
In a recent column, Seravalli contends:
“GM Kyle Davidson could go scorched earth and sell off veterans, but to what end? The move here will be to assess the individual return for each available player and only move those who provide one that moves the needle, starting with Taylor Hall and going through the roster. There won’t be any ‘deals just to make them.’”
Davidson could burn it all down, trying to find the right mix for Connor Bedard since the mix he has isn’t working. But, Seravalli suggests it would be better for the Blackhawks to assess each trade opportunity carefully. Try to get the most wins out of each deal and avoid making a trade “just because.”
The Blackhawks may want to start winning right away, but if the team doesn’t keep in mind their long-term goals, what are they doing? The best play is to focus on trading only the players who can fetch significant value.
Blackhawks’ Deadline Apporach Starts With Taylor Hall Trade
Seravalli specifically mentions Taylor Hall’s name. Injuries have been a factor in his career, but Hall’s experience and skill could make him an attractive piece for contending teams. Whether Davidson can find a trade that “moves the needle” for the Blackhawks remains unclear. The goal should be to acquire draft picks, top-tier prospects, or a combination of both.
And, as much as Hall has said he’d love to remain in Chicago and hopes he has a future there, it’s a given that he’d like a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.
Still, the Blackhawks should avoid making hasty decisions, even when it comes to Hall. A deal out of desperation doesn’t help matters, and patience and precision will be important to getting the best possible return. If executed correctly, a Hall trade could return useful pieces.
For the Blackhawks, Seravalli argues deadline deals aren’t about quantity — as in how many pieces they can move. Instead, it’s about securing meaningful returns.
