The Chicago Blackhawks' plentiful prospect pool is encouraging, but patience is key. The Chicago Blackhawks have had a busy off-season, bringing in players like Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, T.J. Brodie, Alec Martinez, Pat Maroon, Laurent Brossoit and Ilya Mikheyev. While they should be a bit more competitive after adding several new players, they are not expected to compete for a playoff spot just yet in 2024-25. The Blackhawks are still rebuilding and could trade some of their players this season because of it. Let's discuss three specific Blackhawks trade candidates for the 2024-25 campaign now. TAYLOR HALL, LW Taylor Hall is a clear player to watch in trade talks this season. The 2010 first-overall pick is entering the final season of his contract and would be a very appealing rental for playoff teams looking to add more offense and experience to their middle six. Taylor Hall [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyNDI0NDE3ODUzMTIxNjA0/usatsi_21938204_168400847_lowres.jpg] Taylor Hall However, Hall's biggest red flag right now is his health. The 2018 Hart Memorial Trophy recipient was limited to only 10 games this past season after undergoing ACL surgery this past November. However, he recently shared [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/former-bruins-star-provides-big-injury-update] that he has completed his recovery and is expected to be cleared to return for training camp. Thus, barring any sudden changes, the top trade candidate should be ready for the start of the season. Overall, Hall has the potential to be a very impactful offensive contributor when healthy, so if he is made available near the deadline, he should be a hot commodity this season. ANDREAS ATHANASIOU, C Like Hall, Andreas Athanasiou is another Blackhawks forward who struggled to stay healthy in 2023-24. In 28 games for the Original Six club on the year, he posted two goals and nine points. Overall, while it was a down year for the Woodbridge, Ontario native, he has the potential to bounce back and grab the attention of playoff clubs. Andreas Athanasiou [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4Nzc3NjI5ODQ1NjkzNzQ3/usatsi_23095612.jpg] Andreas Athanasiou Athanasiou showed back in 2022-23 that he can provide strong secondary scoring. In 81 games with the Blackhawks that season, he had 20 goals and 40 points. If the pending UFA gets his offense back up to similar totals and stays healthy, he could be an appealing trade target for teams needing more production in their top nine. This is especially so when noting that he can play both down the middle and on the wing. ALEC MARTINEZ, D While Martinez was one of the Blackhawks' top additions of the summer, the possibility of him being traded before the 2025 NHL trade deadline is there. The Rochester Hills, Mich. native only signed for one year with the Blackhawks and has zero trade protection, so he is a prime rental candidate. Alec Martinez and Frank Nazar [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA3NjQxNDE1ODQzMzI1ODc2/usatsi_23045000_168400847_lowres.jpg] Alec Martinez and Frank Nazar The Blackhawks brought in Martinez to provide their young players with another mentor as they continue their rebuild. However, when noting that he is an effective veteran defenseman with three Stanley Cups on his resume, he could be a valuable trade chip for Chicago at the deadline.
