After a 21-day pause for the Winter Olympics, the Chicago Blackhawks returned to the ice on Thursday in Denver but were defeated 4-2 by the Nashville Predators following three unanswered goals in the third period. The team’s schedule remains busy with upcoming games in Colorado, Utah, and against the Winnipeg Jets, led by former captain Jonathan Toews, before finally returning to the United Center to face the Vancouver Canucks. However, the roster expected to take the ice at home may look significantly different due to the upcoming NHL trade deadline set for 2 p.m. Friday, with several veteran Blackhawks linked to potential moves.
Veteran Defenseman Connor Murphy Expected to Draw Trade Interest
Defenseman Connor Murphy, approaching his 33rd birthday, stands out as the most probable Blackhawk to be traded. Murphy is in his ninth season with Chicago, making him the longest-tenured player on the team by a large margin since joining from the Arizona Coyotes in 2017 in exchange for Niklas Hjalmarsson. Despite his experience and leadership as an alternate captain, his average ice time this season has dipped to just over 16 minutes, the lowest since his rookie year in 2017-18. Murphy’s role as a mentor amidst one of the youngest squads in franchise history adds complexity to trade discussions.
Reflecting on the trade rumors, Murphy commented,
“Naturally when you see it or hear of (trade rumors), it’s going to be on your mind a little bit,
”
and added,
“Those are things that are a bit out of your control, and you try to just show up day to day and play hard and still grow with your team that you’re so prideful for.”
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Chicago hopes to trade Murphy for at least a second-round draft pick, though the market has suggested a third-round pick as a likely return. Head coach Jeff Blashill has held individual discussions with some players about the trade deadline, and Murphy describes his as routine rather than startling.
Alternate Captain Jason Dickinson Maintains Focus Despite Trade Speculation
Another veteran whose name has sparked trade rumors is center Jason Dickinson. At 30 years old, Dickinson is also an alternate captain, providing steady leadership for the Blackhawks’ youthful roster. Balancing the demands of pro hockey with family considerations, Dickinson tries not to dwell on the potential for a trade but acknowledges the reality it presents.
He explained,
“(I haven’t thought about it) as much as you might think, (but) it’s obviously crossed my mind,”
and added,
“I don’t think about it in terms of, ‘Is today going to be the day?’ I’m here, I’m a part of this group and I’m working toward winning games.”
Drawing on years of experience, Dickinson has developed a strong mental approach that helps him separate the distractions outside the rink from his on-ice responsibilities.
“As I’ve gotten older and I’ve experienced more of the league, I’ve been able to set those things aside and control what I can control,”
he said.
He also spoke about adapting to his role as a senior figure guiding younger teammates through the pressures of professional hockey:
“I’ve been a leader in many different ways throughout my career, and this year has been a whole new challenge in being the de facto older guy that’s played around (and) done things, so he can be a voice to guide instead of just leading by example. Now it’s been a little bit more talking to guys about what the league is about and what happens and the business side of things, and that there’s hard days for you and there’s good days for you.”
Aware that younger players are still acclimating to the NHL, Dickinson emphasized the importance of preparing them to handle challenges independently by their mid-20s:
“They’re hopping in the league at 21, 22, 23, (and) I want them to be able to handle it by 25 so that they’re able to launch themselves forward. Those are the things that I’ve learned most about myself, that I’ve been able to read how guys respond.”
Lessons From Previous Trades Shape Dickinson’s Perspective
Having been traded himself twice—including moves from the Dallas Stars to the Vancouver Canucks, and then to Chicago—Dickinson understands the unpredictability of joining a new organization. He cautions that the excitement surrounding a trade doesn’t always translate to improved circumstances.
He shared,
“I know that’s such an obvious statement and everybody knows it, but do they ever actually see it?”
and reflected,
“When I got to Vancouver, I thought things were going to be great, and it wasn’t great. That’s where I’ve learned that things are going to be good in different organizations and bad in others, and things are going to be good with different teams and people. My time in Chicago has been great, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
This season, Dickinson has contributed 13 points (six goals, seven assists) across 44 games, navigating periods of injury and strong chemistry playing alongside teammates Ryan Donato and Ilya Mikheyev. While his trade value has not been specifically reported, the current market favors sellers, potentially limiting the return on trades league-wide.
Ilya Mikheyev’s Contract Status Adds to Trade Deadline Drama
Winger Ilya Mikheyev presents a different situation. At 31 years old, he is among the team’s top contributors with 11 goals and 12 assists in 53 games, excelling especially as a penalty killer on Chicago’s league-leading penalty kill unit (85.2%). Sources including NHL insider Elliotte Friedman have reported that contract extension talks between Mikheyev and the Blackhawks have stalled, placing the forward on the trade block as the deadline approaches.
Unlike his teammates, Mikheyev seems less engaged with trade speculation.
“I don’t think (about) contracts or trades,”
he said, continuing,
“We’ll see what’s happening. I want to focus on the game and the practice because we came back from a long break.”
Still, Mikheyev expressed his appreciation for Chicago, acknowledging its significance to him:
“We’ll see what’s the best right now. In the middle in the season (it’s) hard to say something. I love Chicago because it’s a good city.”
Trade Deadline Could Reshape Blackhawks Roster and Future
The NHL trade deadline looms as a pivotal moment for the Chicago Blackhawks, whose veterans like Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, and Ilya Mikheyev face uncertain futures amid a squad in transition. Management’s decisions over the next few days could alter the team’s composition ahead of the season’s final stretch and beyond, with an emphasis on balancing immediate competitiveness with rebuilding around youthful talent.
As the trade deadline arrives at United Center, fans can expect significant developments that may redefine the Bears’ roster identity and leadership dynamics moving forward.
Frank Seravalli says he expects the return in a potential Connor Murphy trade to be a 3rd-round pick.
— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) February 4, 2026
