WINNIPEG, Manitoba — As the NHL trade deadline approaches this Friday, Jason Dickinson has become the focal point of speculation following the recent trade of defenseman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks. Dickinson acknowledged the unusual atmosphere left by Murphy’s exit.
The presence of him was hard to quantify because he was just so steady and so reliable in so many ways — not just on the ice but as a leader in the room. You could always look to Murph,
Dickinson said, reflecting on Murphy’s impact.
Blackhawks General Manager Exploring Market Options for Dickinson
With only three days remaining before the trade deadline, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson is believed to be evaluating potential deals involving Dickinson and fellow forward Ilya Mikheyev. Both players offer strong defensive skills that could attract teams aiming for a playoff push. Davidson’s priority includes clearing roster space to accommodate promising young players transitioning into the lineup, a reality well understood by Dickinson.
It’s been on the radar for the better part of a month now,
Dickinson remarked, addressing the ongoing trade talks.
Everybody is obviously wondering about the situation, given that I have an expiring contract. It’s a natural progression in the league.
Whether something is going to happen or not, I truly don’t know. But I know Kyle will be clear and upfront with me when something does come to him or if they’re pursuing something. He’s been nothing but world-class with me. The next three days could be interesting,
he added, showing respect for the team’s transparent communication.
Dickinson’s Past Trades and Handling Present Uncertainty
Jason Dickinson has experienced trades twice before in his NHL career—first from the Dallas Stars to the Vancouver Canucks in July 2021, then to the Blackhawks in October 2022—but has never been traded during the trade deadline, making this a novel situation. As he continues to compete, Dickinson must balance the uncertainty about his future with his on-ice responsibilities. If he is traded, the upcoming game against the Winnipeg Jets may be his last appearance in a Blackhawks uniform.
Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill praised Dickinson’s character and approach to the game.
[Dickinson is] a great human, really even-keeled, got a great head on his shoulders, very self-accountable, looks in the mirror every day and wants to better himself,
Blashill said.
He’s been a really good piece for us. We’ll see what happens. I have no control over that, and neither does he.
I wish we were 10 points [into a playoff spot]. If we were 10 points in, we wouldn’t have to talk about this stuff. But that’s the goal next year,
the coach added.
Dickinson’s Playoff Drought and Hope for a New Opportunity
Dickinson expressed his frustration at not having reached the playoffs since his first two full NHL seasons in 2019 and 2020. He sees a potential trade as a chance to finally participate in the postseason again, reflecting on the advice he received early in his career.
I had older guys [in Dallas] tell me, ‘Savor it because you may never get this chance again,’
Dickinson recalled.
I didn’t believe them at the time. Here I am, six years later, and I haven’t seen the playoffs since. The stories guys tell you, they really do ring true.
You have to savor those moments because the playoffs are [expletive] hard to get into, and winning a round is really hard to do. When you get the opportunity, appreciate it and realize what you just accomplish. So if I got the chance, I would be more than thrilled,
he said.
Teams Interested and What Dickinson Could Provide
The Los Angeles Kings are among the teams reportedly monitoring the Blackhawks, especially as they try to bolster their roster in Anze Kopitar’s final season. The Kings currently sit four points below the playoff cutoff and have faced recent injuries to forwards Kevin Fiala and Andrei Kuzmenko, which has weakened their depth. Adding a defensively responsible forward like Dickinson or Mikheyev could help sustain their playoff push.
Other potential suitors include the Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes, both in need of depth at center.
I think my game is well-built for playoffs,
Dickinson said.
It’s simple; it’s direct. Teams can want something like that to bolster depth and give them strength on the [penalty kill] instead of big-fish hunting for a dynamic player.
Implications for Dickinson and Blackhawks as Deadline Looms
The coming days could be pivotal for Jason Dickinson’s career trajectory and the Blackhawks’ roster composition. Should he be traded, Dickinson may break his streak of missing the postseason, while the Blackhawks continue to retool and make space for emerging talent. The trade deadline is shaping up to be a critical moment for both parties as they prepare for the rest of the season and beyond.
