As the NHL season barrels toward the March 6th trade deadline, the Chicago Blackhawks face a crucial week filled with important decisions about the team's direction. With a current record of 21-24-9, the Blackhawks are sixth in the Central Division, trailing the San Jose Sharks by eight points for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. This week features matchups against the San Jose Sharks and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Schedule at a Glance

• February 2: vs San Jose Sharks
• February 4: @ Columbus Blue Jackets

Buyer or Seller: The Trade Deadline Dilemma

The Blackhawks are approaching the trade deadline, and General Manager Kyle Davidson faces a pivotal choice: should the team be buyers or sellers? Recent reports suggest the Blackhawks might be leaning towards being buyers, which would come as a surprise to many. Despite their distance from a playoff spot, the Blackhawks possess ample cap space and a collection of draft picks, positioning them to be active in the trade market.

However, the Blackhawks have several pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) who could be valuable trade chips. Connor Murphy, Ilya Mikheyev, Jason Dickinson, Matt Grzelcyk, and Nick Foligno are all potential candidates to be moved for future assets. Trading these veterans could provide the Blackhawks with additional draft picks and prospects to bolster their ongoing rebuild.

Some hockey analysts believe the Blackhawks should focus on acquiring players who are under contract beyond this season to accelerate their long-term competitiveness. The Vancouver Canucks, who are reportedly entering a rebuilding phase, could be a potential trade partner. Conor Garland and Jake DeBrusk, both top-six wingers signed for multiple years, might be available.

Key Storylines to Watch

• Connor Bedard's Continued Development: All eyes remain on rookie phenom Connor Bedard as he continues to find his stride in the NHL. His performance in the remaining games will be crucial for the team's success and for his own development.
• Nick Lardis' Potential Return: With the trade deadline approaching, there's a possibility that young forward Nick Lardis could be recalled to the NHL roster. Lardis, who has excelled in the AHL, could benefit from more NHL experience. The Blackhawks may shop their pending unrestricted free agents, and what they do with Nick Foligno, Ilya Mikheyev, Jason Dickinson, or Sam Lafferty could make room for Lardis.
• Evaluating the Current Roster: The games leading up to the trade deadline provide an opportunity for the Blackhawks to evaluate their current roster and identify areas for improvement. This assessment will inform their decisions both at the deadline and in the offseason.
• Game against the Blue Jackets: The Blackhawks recently lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2. They will face the Blue Jackets again on February 4.

The Road Ahead

The Blackhawks face a challenging but critical period. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the team's future for years to come. Whether they choose to be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, the focus remains on building a competitive team around young talents like Connor Bedard and positioning themselves for long-term success.