More on the Chicago Blackhawks selling…
Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun Times: A significant sale of players seems to be the plan. However, what will be the return?
Artem Anisimov seems more like a summer deal as opposed to the trade deadline. The Columbus Blue Jackets were interested.
Ryan Hartman is not likely to go but Tommy Wingels might.
Jan Ruuta is still on the injured reserve which complicates things greatly.
Then there is Brandon Saad. Saad disappointed largely but still has good advanced metrics. He could easily bounce back next year. Stan Bowman does not seem to want to give up on him.
This is all about acquiring picks and Chicago will keep working the phones in order to maximize their returns.
Scott Powers of The Athletic writes that Ryan Hartman’s sophomore slump should not be a reason to trade him at the deadline. Hartman has eight goals through 55 games but is fourth in high danger scoring chances. Among all Chicago players, his possession metrics are that of a top six player. This is despite the lower level of production.
His ability to be versatile has been huge. He can play anywhere in the top nine and Hartman can be physical which sets up offense. The winger has eight primary assists on the year which shows some balance. Scouts are conflicted on Hartman.
One said “I don’t see him as a center. I think you’re going to get production out of him on the wing. I think he’s scoring to go on the wing. he can get in on the forecheck, and that’s where you want him on the wing”.
The second said “He had a big season last year and he has had plenty of big opportunities to play with Kane and Schmaltz. It would not surprise me at all if they dealt him…Hayden can fill his spot easily”.
A second or third round pick does not guarantee an NHL player coming back and Hartman will not command a heavy price tag in his next contract. Being a hometown player helps also so why deal him?