Forward Tyler Johnson Tops Blackhawks Limited Trade Deadline “Offering”.

 

 

There isn’t much pressure on the last-place Chicago Blackhawks to offload players as the NHL trade deadline of March 8 draws near.

The top players on the list for a trade by general manager Kyle Davidson are veteran forwards Tyler Johnson, Anthony Beauvillier, Colin Blackwell, and Taylor Raddysh. After their contracts expire, all four will be free to sign with no restrictions.

The highest possible trade-in value for Chicago would be a mid-range draft pick.

The Blackhawks have a ton of draft picks already in their possession. Two in the first round, three in the second, and two in the fourth round are included for 2024. Chicago’s own first-round pick might end up being the top pick overall for the second year in a row.

The Blackhawks have the best chance of winning the draft lottery right now. If they do, Macklin Celebrini should be joining Connor Bedard, another local product from Vancouver, on the team.

The Blackhawks might be better off holding onto any or all of these players to hobble through the season given they are still severely injured.

The astute veteran Johnson, 33, is capable of playing all three front positions. With fractured toes on his left foot that kept him out of action from New Year’s Eve until February 7, he has recovered well and has 12 goals and 18 points in 45 games this season.

Despite his 5-foot-8 stature, Johnson is a calm, cerebral captain who drives the puck to difficult areas on the ice. Being a top-six forward for Tampa Bay until his trade to Chicago in July 2021, he would know how to fit in and contribute on a top team.

Johnson might step up in an emergency and be a good third-line complement to a contender. His $35 million, seven-year contract is expiring this season, meaning he has a $5 million cap charge.