Chicago Blackhawks Eyeing Blockbuster Trade Involving Former 7th Overall Pick Per Insider

After deals involving Petr Mrazek, Craig Smith, and a prospect/salary cap/draft picks trade with the Utah Hockey Club, the Blackhawks could consider moving Korchinski in the off-season to address other needs, according to Vinnie Parise of The Hockey News.

While veterans like Ryan Donato and Pat Maroon stayed put throughout the deadline and may sign extensions, three players-Connor Murphy, Kevin Korchinski, and Jason Dickinson-could be trade candidates this summer, according to recent reports.

Korchinski, the Blackhawks' former seventh overall pick, who is currently in the AHL, is part of a crowded group of young defensemen including Artyom Levshunov, Alex Vlasic, and others battling for NHL spots.

With the Blackhawks needing offensive help up front and support for Connor Bedard, they could potentially be eyeing a top defenseman like Matthew Schaefer in the 2025 Draft, trading Korchinski could bring a valuable return from a team intrigued by his top-pairing potential, despite his inconsistent play at the NHL and AHL levels.

Connor Murphy's $4.4 million cap hit makes him a candidate for a contending team needing a top-four defenseman, while Jason Dickinson's $4.25 million contract and defensive play could also fetch a solid return.

A trade involving Kevin Korchinski could certainly land the Blackhawks Mitch Marner-like talent, with other added assets in a deal of course (not Korchinski alone), buckle up for a big summer Blackhawks fans.