The Chicago Blackhawks are once again having a tough season.

Their rebuild has been filled with growing pains, and to get back on track, they need to make significant moves at the trade deadline.

Making moves at the deadline, particularly on defense and goaltending, will be essential to improving their roster and a stepping stone in their rebuild for the future.

Here are five potential trade targets the Blackhawks could acquire to strengthen their roster and what they might offer in return…

Dylan Cozens (Buffalo Sabres)

Dylan Cozens would be a perfect addition to Chicago’s rebuild.

The 23-year-old center could slot into the second line and provide a much-needed boost to the Blackhawks powerplay. Cozens’ playmaking abilities and high hockey IQ would complement Chicago’s young core and help create stablity in their forward group.

To acquire Cozens, Chicago could offer up Jason Dickinson, top defensive prospect Kevin Korchinski, and a first-round draft pick. Buffalo, currently sitting last in the Atlantic Division with a 15-21-5 record, could strengthen their defense and gain additional assets in the future.

Ville Heinola (Winnipeg Jets)

Villie Heinola could be a valuable asset on the Blackhawks blue line. His vision and puck-moving abilites are what the Blackhawks need for their defense to be stabie. It will also help with the Blackhawks transition game and for their defensive pairings to stay consistent.

In exchange, the Blackhawks could send veteran defensemen T.J. Brodie and a fourth-round pick to Winnipeg.

Brodie’s experience would make him a valuable asset for the Jets, who are contending for the top spot in the league and looking to solidify their defense for a deep playoff run.

Alexis Lafreniere (New York Rangers)

After trading Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken, the Rangers may consider moving another former top draft pick, Alexis Lafreniere. The 2020 first-overall pick has had a not-so-good season so far with the New York Rangers despite scoring two goals in their 5-4 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars.

However, he still has the skill and upside to become a top-six forward. A fresh start in Chicago could reignite his career and help solidify the Blackhawks’ offensive depth.

To land Lafreniere, the Blackhawks could trade Craig Smith, a mid-level prospect, and a conditional first-round pick. With the Rangers struggling this season, GM Chris Drury may look to change up the roster to turn things around.

Esa Lindell (Dallas Stars)

While a trade for Esa Lindell may be a long shot, his defensive reliability and physical presence would be key to the Blackhawks’ blue line.

Lindell’s ability to shut down opposing offense lines and contribute on the penalty kill makes him an ideal target for Chicago’s rebuild.

To make this happen, the Blackhawks could offer Seth Jones (with retained salary) and two draft picks. Sending Jones back to his home state of Texas could possibly be appealing for the Stars, especially if they’re looking to add depth and veteran leadership to their defense for a playoff push.

J.T. Miller (Vancouver Canucks)

There were rumors about the Rangers trying to bring back J.T. Miller.

However, the trade was rejected. The Blackhawks could be one of the teams to go after J.T. Miller with the Rangers rejecting their trade. J.T. Miller would bring versatility and leadership to the Blackhawks’ young core.

The Blackhawks would have to offer up something big for this trade to happen. They could trade Ryan Donato, a 2025 second-round, and 2026 third-round pick to Vancouver in return.

The Canucks currently sit in the Western Conference 2nd wild card with a 18-12-9 record. They lost 4 of their last five games and they can certainly make some changes to shake up their rosters.