Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones told the Chicago Sun-Times during the 4 Nations Face-Off break that he ‘would like to give myself a chance to win.’
His frustration with the play of the 31st-place Blackhawks showed after the team’s latest loss Tuesday.
‘We’re the exact same team right now as we were Game 1,’ he told reporters. ‘It’s pretty evident out there. We haven’t made any strides to be a better, more simple hockey team, and it shows. We don’t get a lot of wins because of that.’
The struggling Blackhawks are an expected seller with the 3 p.m. March 7 trade deadline approaching. Jones, a right-shot defenseman who plays big minutes, would be a potential target – with a caveat. He’s signed through 2029-30 with a $9.5 million cap hit. He would have to waive his no-trade clause to be moved.
Blackhawks teammates Ryan Donato and Pat Maroon, a three-time Stanley Cup winner, are pending unrestricted free agents.
Here’s a look at players who could be available if their teams decide over the next week to become sellers:
Boston Bruins
Hampus Lindholm probably won’t return this season and fellow top four defenseman Charlie McAvoy suffered a significant shoulder injury at the 4 Nations Face-Off. As a result, the usually aggressive Bruins will probably ‘take a much more cautious approach,’ general manager Don Sweeney said earlier in the week.
‘We will look at all opportunities to improve our team now but more importantly moving forward,’ he told reporters.
Pending unrestricted free agent Trent Frederic’s offensive numbers have dropped, but his rugged style is a plus during the playoffs. He left Tuesday’s game with an injury.
Captain Brad Marchand is also a pending UFA, though both sides say they hope he can be a Bruin for life.
‘We’ll have to have a conversation with him now that 4 Nations is over, sit down with Brad and his representatives and have a clearer path … as to what his final outcome will be,’ Sweeney said.
Pittsburgh Penguins
They’re heading into the wrong direction, losing their first three games after the break, and a makeover seems inevitable. Forward Rickard Rakell would fetch a big return because the 25-goal scorer has three years left on his deal. Their pending UFAs include defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (currently injured) and forward Anthony Beauvillier.
New York Islanders
The banged-up Islanders have lost four in a row. USA Olympian Brock Nelson, who topped 30 goals his previous three seasons but is off that pace this season, would be one of the NHL’s top trade targets if general manager Lou Lamoriello shops the pending UFA. Kyle Palmieri also is a pending UFA.
Seattle Kraken
Penalty killer Brandon Tanev, who’s popular in Seattle, is a pending UFA. So is two-time Stanley Cup winner Yanni Gourde, but he might be out past the trade deadline because of sports hernia surgery.
St. Louis Blues
Captain Brayden Schenn has been mentioned as a trade possibility. In fact, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that teams might be interested in uniting Schenn and brother Luke, a Nashville Predators defenseman. The brothers were teammates with the Philadelphia Flyers earlier in their career. But the Blues are close to a playoff spot.
Montreal Canadiens
Their pending UFAs include forwards Jake Evans and Joel Armia, plus right-shot, shot-blocking defenseman David Savard.
Buffalo Sabres
They’re last in the Eastern Conference and their playoff drought could hit 14 seasons. Dylan Cozens’ name has been tossed around on trade lists. Forwards Jason Zucker and Jordan Greenway are pending UFAs and defenseman Bowen Byram is a pending restricted free agents.
Nashville Predators
They’re among the NHL’s most disappointing teams, sitting near the bottom of the league after adding Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault in the offseason. Forward Gustav Nyquist is a pending UFA.
San Jose Sharks
The last-place Sharks have already moved Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci. Defenseman Mario Ferraro has another left on his contract.
Philadelphia Flyers
They already moved Morgan Frost and Joel Farrabee. Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Scott Laughton have term left on their deals and could draw interest.
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks have improved but general manager Pat Verbeek is usually good for moving a player or two. Defenseman Brian Dumoulin is a pending UFA. He was hurt Tuesday. Goalie John Gibson always seem to be on trade lists and maybe he finally moves now that Lukas Dostal is the No. 1 goalie.
(This story was updated with new information.)
