The Blackhawks’ prospects are being discussed as potential "reclamation project" trade targets, and this topic is gaining traction during the Olympic break. In a thought-provoking article by Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal featured in The Athletic, they delve into the Vancouver Canucks’ strategy of targeting reclamation projects as part of their rebuilding efforts. This discussion takes an intriguing turn when we bring the Blackhawks into the mix.
What’s particularly ironic here is that the Blackhawks have been experiencing solid performances from Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev, both of whom were acquired as reclamation projects along with two second-round picks. This raises questions about Vancouver's internal asset evaluation processes. It certainly adds an interesting layer to the conversation.
Now, let’s shift our focus back to the essence of Drance and Dayal's article, which caught my attention for a significant reason. Both writers demonstrate a strong understanding of the NHL landscape and the nuances of the Canucks, given their experience and expertise.
They identify ten players who they believe fit the profile of "high pedigree players" that have fallen out of favor. These players can potentially be acquired at a lower price, either as standalone buys or as part of trades involving more established veterans. Importantly, they highlight that these individuals still have the potential to thrive with a fresh start on a new team.
Among those mentioned are Blackhawks defense prospects Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro. This raises eyebrows: Korchinski and Del Mastro? Are they seriously on the trade block?
I personally doubt that the Blackhawks will part ways with either Korchinski or Del Mastro before the trade deadline. In fact, I anticipate that the team will consider moving veteran Matt Grzelcyk to provide one or both of these young talents with an extended opportunity to showcase their skills in the NHL as the season winds down.
Korchinski, notably, was the first draft pick made by Kyle Davidson as the permanent general manager of the Blackhawks. Selected seventh overall in 2022, Korchinski faced a challenging situation during the 2023-24 season, marked by numerous injuries to the Blackhawks roster. Unfortunately, he spent much of his time on the ice with a partner who had been claimed off waivers (Jaycob Megna) and struggled on a poorly performing team. To add to the difficulties, he experienced the heartbreaking loss of his father mid-season, making it a particularly tough year for this young player.
At just 21 years old, Korchinski has already been recognized as an AHL All-Star for two consecutive years, and there is every reason to believe that his career trajectory remains positive. Let’s not forget: he’s still only 21.
As for Del Mastro, there were parallels drawn between him and Nolan Allan within the Blackhawks' pipeline. Since the team traded Allan to San Jose earlier this month, there seems to be renewed confidence in Del Mastro’s future with the organization. Drance and Dayal describe him as “a good puck mover with a large frame” who has consistently been viewed as a skilled player throughout his development, and he possesses all the tools one could hope for in a developing 23-year-old defenseman.
However, both players are set to enter restricted free agency this summer. This situation presents a dual challenge for the Blackhawks: they need to give both players ample NHL experience to gauge their value for future contracts, yet this also creates a tight timeline for making decisions regarding their futures.
This brings me back to my curiosity about why Korchinski and Del Mastro were included in Drance and Dayal’s discussion.
Let’s dive deeper into the core of this report that piqued my interest. Here’s what the authors wrote about Korchinski and Del Mastro that stood out to me:
If the Blackhawks opt to make moves ahead of the trade deadline, particularly if they aim to acquire one of Vancouver's higher-paid veterans with term remaining on their contract as a long-term solution for their evolving forward lineup, either of these young Blackhawks defensemen would be appealing, high-upside options for the Canucks to consider acquiring at a lower price.
But what does it mean if the Blackhawks actually pursue expensive veterans before the deadline? Who qualifies as such on Vancouver's roster? Let’s take a look:
- Elias Pettersson (27) — $11.6M AAV through 2032**
- Brock Boeser (28) — $7.25M AAV through 2032**
- Connor Garland (29) — $6M AAV through 2032** (new extension starts next season)
- Jake DeBrusk (29) — $5.5M AAV through 2031**
Each of these players has been labeled with a ** because they come with significant contracts typical of what former GM Stan Bowman would negotiate. Furthermore, all four have no-move clauses in place until at least next year, while DeBrusk's contract transitions to a 15-team no-trade list in 2027.
When discussing any potential moves involving these players, it’s crucial to remember that any trade would require them to waive their no-move clauses to join the Blackhawks.
Now, let’s critically assess whether any of these four veterans could realistically alter the Blackhawks' trajectory. Would acquiring one warrant trading away a promising young defenseman who is likely on the verge of becoming a full-time NHL player next season?
None of these players are currently enjoying standout seasons; Pettersson and DeBrusk each have 13 goals, Boeser has netted 12, and Garland has managed just seven. While these are talented individuals with diverse skill sets, they don’t necessarily offer something unique that the Blackhawks aren’t already developing internally, aside from their NHL experience — and, of course, their hefty price tags.
Given the chaos surrounding the Canucks over recent years, characterized by coaching changes and the exodus of veteran players (not to mention their public comments post-departure), there might be a valid case for a potential "buy low" strategy on any of these four. Nevertheless, I remain skeptical about committing to any of these players and their contracts at this time.
It’s worth noting that there's a prevailing perception outside of Chicago that the Blackhawks may have reached a juncture where other teams could attempt to persuade GM Kyle Davidson to part with young, developing players under the guise of reclamation projects.
So, what do you think? Should the Blackhawks hold onto their promising prospects, or is it time to explore possible trades for experienced players? I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below! What’s your take on the potential benefits or risks of such moves?
