Blackhawks expected to trade center for $4.25 million before NHL deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Chicago Blackhawks began their NHL trade deadline week by sending Connor Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers on Monday.
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It’s hard to think they’re done yet. There’s almost certainly more to come.
Jason Dickinson could be next.
Chris Johnston of The Athletic put Dickinson on his trade committee in a new article, and he explains why it would be logical for Chicago to do so.
“Dickinson is a defense-first center with a knack for shutting down opponents, and he’s a perfect fit for a bottom-six role on a strong team,” Johnston wrote. “Although Dickinson has been starting in the defensive zone, he has produced strong underlying metrics for the Blackhawks this season. While Dickinson hasn’t generated much offense, he can anchor the shutout and bring added value as a penalty killer. He is also on an expiring contract.”
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More: Maple Leafs get help from Flyers in trade for veteran center
That last detail was just brought up by Johnston, but it’s crucial.
There’s no way the Blackhawks could spend an entire season with Dickinson only to lose him for nothing. Now it’s time to touch him and return something valuable.
Many teams are currently looking for a center like Dickinson.
In fact, he has quite a bit of role overlap with the Maple Leafs’ Scott Lawton, so if a team wants Lawton but doesn’t get him, maybe they can pursue Dickinson.
He’s not a good fit for Chicago’s future, so it’s time to cash in on him.
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It seems unlikely that the Blackhawks will head into the weekend with Dickinson still on the roster.
