As the 2022 NHL deadline approaches, it has been easy to see that the Chicago Blackhawks are sellers this year. Some of their most recent transactions have been solid, starting with Chi-town signing defensemen Alex Vlasic to a three-year entry-level contract. The Hawks’ latest and most significant move was shipping out left-winger Brandon Hagel, a 2022 fourth-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning. In return, they received right-winger Taylor Raddysh, left-winger Boris Katchouk, a 2023 first-round pick (top-10 protected), and a 2024 first-round pick (also top-10 protected).
It is safe to say that the Blackhawks have been selling already. They have dealt out some assets but got some great returns. One thing that has taken social media by storm are the rumors circulating about Marc-Andre Fleury. It was recently reported that the Hawks would not send him to a place he is unwilling to go. Elliotte Friedman stated that Fleury would not go unless the destination is a serious Stanley Cup contender. In his most recent report, Friedman said that there had been conversations between the Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild about Fleury. Earlier today, Fleury was dealt to the Wild.
Make sure to check out all of our other NHL Trade Deadline Previews.
Current Status:
Current Record: 22-32-9
Division Standings: Seventh in the Central Division
Buyers or Sellers: Sellers
Marcus Foligno
Although the Hawks will most likely be shipping out Fleury, it would be easy to see them going for a guy like Marcus Foligno, since the report came out about the two teams in trade talks. They just shipped out Hagel to the Lightning, and a proven left-winger is a need for the Blackhawks. This season, Foligno on the left-wing has recorded 19 goals and 13 assists in 56 games, which is five fewer points than Hagel in the same amount of contests. The one grey area with this is the value on the Hawks side; the Wild would undoubtedly have to give out more to pull in Fleury.
The upside of bringing in a 6’3″, 223 pound left-winger aside from giving another asset to Chicago in the deal is him as a player. He is a large dude who can log top-line minutes, kill penalties well, and lay the body. He is an all-around solid player that could assist in the growth of a down-bad Chicago Blackhawks team, and if they go for Cam Talbot as well, that would be a great sell.
Alexander Barabanov
This St. Petersburg Russian is a left-shot winger that can slot in on either side on the face-off dot. In his nine-game presence for the San Jose Sharks at the back end of the 2020-2021 season, he notched three goals and four assists while skating with Tomas Hertl and Evander Kane. He proved that he could slot in on top parings and provide solid production. In 54 games with the Sharks this season, Barabanov recorded nine goals and 23 assists for 32 total points. He would rank fifth in point-production on the Chicago Blackhawks, ahead of Jonathan Toews and Kirby Dach. Any deal for this sleeper winger would be a win for the Blackhawks.
Another enticing part about Barbanov is his one-year $1 million unrestricted free agent contract with the Sharks. He should get paid for his proven success early on in his career; it is easy to see a guy like this being on the radar of Chicago’s front office. The main piece going out would likely be Fleury, so it would be easy to see the Hawks targeting James Reimer as well.
James Reimer
Reimer has been solid between the pipes for the San Jose Sharks this season. While holding a .916 SV% and a 2.80 GAA, the 6’3″ 205 pound netminder has recorded 16 wins in his 37 games played. Reimer would not be the only piece that went to Chicago if the Hawks were to go for a guy like this. That would be a win for Chicago, but they would downgrade their goalie situation to bulk up in other areas.
Doing a deal for Reimer would be a clever play, considering that Chicago does not want to lose value if Fleury walks or retires. Shipping him out for an exceptionally, fundamentally sound netminder that can be very good when he is on his game would be a smart move for the Hawks. Another positive about Reimer is that he has recorded his best save percentage this season since 2016-2017, when it was .920.
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