Blackhawks Primed to be Sellers at Trade Deadline: Mikheyev and Murphy Drawing Interest
Chicago, IL – February 28, 2026 – The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to be active sellers leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline, with both Ilya Mikheyev and Connor Murphy emerging as key players potentially on the move. Multiple reports indicate that several teams have expressed interest in acquiring the pair. While there’s still a chance the Blackhawks could re-sign Mikheyev, that possibility appears to be diminishing, potentially leading to him being traded for a roster spot for a younger player. Murphy, a long-time member of the Blackhawks, is considered the most likely to be traded, with the organization potentially seeking a deal that sends him to a Stanley Cup contender.
Blackhawks Trade Deadline: Murphy and Mikheyev Front and Center
The Chicago Blackhawks are poised to be active sellers leading up to the March 6th NHL trade deadline, with veteran players Connor Murphy and Ilya Mikheyev drawing significant interest from contending teams. Several reports indicate that General Manager Kyle Davidson is fielding calls and evaluating offers to maximize returns for players with expiring contracts.
Connor Murphy: A Prime Trade Target
Considered the most likely player to be moved, Connor Murphy has been a long-tenured member of the Blackhawks organization. Reports suggest the team may seek to place him with a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, allowing him to experience playoff hockey for the first time in his career beyond the 2020 bubble playoffs.
Pro Tip: Teams often prioritize players with playoff experience at the deadline, making Murphy a particularly valuable asset.
Ilya Mikheyev: Trade or Extension?
Ilya Mikheyev presents a more complex scenario. While discussions regarding a contract extension have cooled, the Blackhawks haven’t entirely ruled out re-signing him. However, his value, particularly on the penalty kill, makes him an attractive trade candidate. He is considered one of the three best pure penalty killers in the National Hockey League.
Multiple sources confirm that Mikheyev is available, despite earlier attempts to secure his future in Chicago. His ability to contribute 15-20 goals at even strength, despite receiving no power play time, adds to his appeal.
Beyond Murphy and Mikheyev: Other Potential Moves
Jason Dickinson, Matt Grzelcyk, and Nick Foligno have as well been mentioned as potential trade candidates. The Blackhawks have a surplus of players who could benefit contending teams seeking depth and experience.
Prospect Implications and Future Outlook
The Blackhawks’ trade strategy is also influenced by the development of their prospects. Young players like Nick Lardis, Kevin Korchinski, and Sam Rinzel are pushing for increased NHL opportunities. The anticipated arrival of top draft choices Anton Frondell and Sacha Boisvert necessitates roster openings.
Did you recognize? The Blackhawks are strategically creating roster space for their promising young prospects to gain valuable NHL experience.
General Manager Kyle Davidson faces the challenge of balancing immediate returns with the long-term development of the franchise. It’s unlikely all six pending unrestricted free agents will be traded, requiring careful consideration of each player’s value and potential impact.
FAQ
Q: What is the trade deadline?
A: The NHL trade deadline is March 6th at 2:00 p.m. CT.
Q: Why are the Blackhawks selling players?
A: The Blackhawks are not currently in playoff contention and have several players with expiring contracts, making them ideal trade candidates.
Q: What could the Blackhawks get in return for Murphy and Mikheyev?
A: The Blackhawks will likely seek draft picks and/or prospects in exchange for these players.
Q: Will the Blackhawks re-sign Mikheyev?
A: While not entirely off the table, a contract extension for Mikheyev appears increasingly unlikely.
Stay tuned to 247sports.new for the latest updates on the Blackhawks’ trade deadline activity.
What do you suppose? Share your predictions for the Blackhawks’ trade deadline moves in the comments below!