A new era in Chicago: Blackhawks need to say goodbye to the past and hello to the future

Photo Courtesy of Jay LaPrete via AP

With dwindling attendance and losses piling up, it’s evident the glory days are over on Madison Street. It’s time to face reality; the Chicago Blackhawks are a bad hockey team. The roster lacks talent to compete. However, it possesses assets other NHL clubs would find attractive to cover up glaring holes in their roster to compete for the Stanley Cup.

The Blackhawks are practically unwatchable, despite having two Hall of Famers on their roster. As the New Year approaches and the trade freeze lifts in the NHL, the Blackhawks must make several moves to acquire draft capital and prospects to climb out of the NHL basement within the next couple of seasons.

It’s time to look toward the future instead of dwelling on the past. Capturing three Stanley Cups in six years is nothing short of spectacular. However, Blackhawks’ general manager Kyle Davidson made his message clear in his introductory press conference when he was hired last season – brace for a rebuild. He stuck to that plan by trading Brandon Hagel last season and fan favorite Alex DeBrincat during the past offseason. Both transactions netted draft capital and young prospects.

The Blackhawks’ roster needs a complete overhaul and that includes trading the two franchise icons that brought three Stanley Cups to Chicago. Despite the heartbreak it may cause fans, it will ultimately lead to the next cornerstones of the franchise and brighten the Blackhawks’ dreary reality. Here’s a look at what players the Blackhawks should move before the deadline.

The Franchise Cornerstones – Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews

Saying goodbye to someone or something that harbors deep meaning is never easy. For Blackhawks fans, it means a farewell to two future Hall of Famers – Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

Both players are in the final season of an eight-year, $84 million deal worth $10.5 million. However, their departure from Chicago depends on Kane and Toews as they “have the keys” and total control over their respective situations due to the no-movement clause that’s included in their contracts.

Both franchise icons have spent their entire NHL careers wearing the black and red sweater. It’s entirely plausible Kane and Toews want to finish their careers where they started – Chicago. However, that would be the worst-case scenario for a team that needs to accumulate draft capital, prospects and prioritize losing.

If Kane and Toews choose to waive their no-movement clause, there will be plenty of suitors. The New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes are a few teams that could use the services of Kane and Toews down the stretch, potentially adding another Stanley Cup to their impeccable résumés.

The best-case scenario is Kane gets dealt to the Rangers. The 2007 first-overall pick to the Rangers is a win-win situation for both parties. The Rangers are a win-now team. They also have a decent amount of cap space, several young players like Alexis Lafrenière and lots of draft picks to work with. Also, Patrick Kane gets to reunite with former Blackhawk Artemi Panarin and embrace the atmosphere of Madison Square Garden.

Meanwhile, Toews to the Hurricanes is an intriguing fit. Furthermore, Toews provides the Hurricanes with an edge over teams like Tampa Bay and Boston. Like New York, Carolina has made a run in the postseason the last couple of seasons but has fallen short. The Hurricanes are going to add Max Pacioretty to their lineup at some point in the near future, which will provide their offense with even more firepower. However, Carolina could use another center that can generate opportunities, win faceoffs and provide leadership. Toews fulfills those criteria.

Kane has played in all 34 games this season for Chicago and has posted 6 goals, and 20 assists for a team-high 26 points. Meanwhile, Toews has missed only one game this season. He has scored 11 goals this season, tied with Max Domi for most on the team, with 9 assists for 20 points.

An Unlikely Hero Returns to Carolina – Max Domi

Despite generating only two assists through six games of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season for the Hurricanes, Max Domi came in clutch to eliminate the Bruins when it mattered the most.

The Canadian created more offense in Game 7 than the rest of the series combined. Domi was an in-season acquisition from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 12th overall pick in the 2013 draft class scored twice and tallied three points to lead the Hurricanes over the Bruins.

Domi is having a solid season with 11 goals and 24 points in 34 contests with Chicago. Although he won’t be the biggest name out there, Domi’s playing well enough that teams like Carolina will ask about the price to acquire him. As a result, Chicago will probably receive a deal that’s too good to pass up.

Despite their horrific record, the Blackhawks own the league’s best faceoff win percentage thanks to Domi, who’s winning 56.2% of his draws. That’s a great trait for teams come postseason.

Unlike Chicago, Carolina is a legit Stanley Cup contender, and having a player that can dominate the faceoff circle is a necessity in the playoffs for puck possession. Also, he has familiarity with the players and coaches already.

The more depth, the better – Andreas Athanasiou

Although Andreas Athanasiou is likely to be moved before the deadline, it’s not explicit how much value he’ll have on the trade market. The Canadian has been streaky the last couple of seasons.

In the 2019-20 season, the Detroit Red Wings traded Athanasiou to the Edmonton Oilers and did close to nothing. During that offseason, he signed a free-agent deal with the Los Angeles Kings and played fairly well. This season, Athanasiou has had his fair share of highs and lows in the Windy City.

In 33 contests this season, Athanasiou has 7 goals and 10 points. However, he ended an 11-game point drought last week against the Columbus Blue Jackets. If the Blackhawks want to acquire any value for the 28-year-old, they need Athanasiou to be producing as he did in a Kings uniform the past two seasons.

Chicago’s on-ice impact won’t be improving throughout the rest of the season. Therefore, Kyle Davidson and company need to focus on their activity off of it. The Blackhawks currently sit in last place in the NHL standings and currently have the best odds at landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft.