It has been a tough year for the Chicago Blackhawks, but it was expected. The Original Six club is still in the middle of their rebuild and will be sellers at the 2025 NHL trade deadline because of it.
One Blackhawk who should be watched as we continue to inch closer to the trade deadline is veteran defenseman Alec Martinez.
Martinez, 37, signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Blackhawks this past offseason and is a pending unrestricted free agent because of it. The left-shot blueliner also does not have any trade protection, so the Blackhawks can move him without any restrictions if they wish to.
Martinez could undoubtedly catch the eyes of some contenders. He is still a serviceable defenseman at this point of his career and would be a good leader for a playoff team to add to their group. In addition, he has a plethora of playoff experience, playing in 131 postseason games and winning three Stanley Cup championships.
Teams looking to improve their blueline could make a push from Martinez from here. It will be fascinating to see if the 16-year veteran finds a new home before the deadline.
