Anders Sorensen - Jan. 7 Chicago Blackhawks Media Availability

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the Chicago Blackhawks are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. They are dead last in the NHL with a record of 13-25-2 (28 points in 40 games) and are now starting to integrate more prospects into their lineup.

The sooner the better for trades I say. Insider Frank Seravalli released the first trade targets board for 2025 and two Blackhawks players found themselves pretty high on the list.

Taylor Hall was ranked third and Ryan Donato was 12th. This makes a whole lot of sense for Hall especially as there is no logical reason why the Blackhawks would keep him past this season. If the team isn't going to extend him, and it doesn't look like he will be, trading him to get anything is the best outcome.

Hall may not fetch a great return, but as a former Hart Trophy winner and a speedy player with an offensive skillset, he will have suitors. He should be a solid complementary piece on the second or third line of a contender and if the Blackhawks retain half of his $6 million cap hit in a trade, the value will rise and the number of potential teams interested will grow.

Hall hasn't had a bad season, but his numbers aren't where expectations were. But almost nobody on the team has played up to par. The veteran has eight goals and 21 points in 39 games and 18 of those points have come at even strength, but teams may be worried about the healthy scratch from earlier in the season (under a different head coach albeit).

While Hall has stated he wants to stay in Chicago, that isn't going to happen. There are enough veterans under contract and there has to be room for some younger players that will lead the team into the future.

I continue to say this, but Donato is a very interesting potential trade chip. I don't think anyone, even within the organization, exactly knows what will happen with the versatile forward just yet. He is eligible to re-sign, but there has been no word of contract talks. As a trade piece, he could bring back a solid return and will be very sought after.

Donato's cap hit is very attractive for teams looking to add for a playoff run because it is only $2 million. He is also at a good age where we are seeing Donato potentially in his prime.

He has 11 goals and 22 points and has played everywhere this season for the Blackhawks. Donato is one of the only players on Chicago that hasn't fallen below expectations, rather exceeded them at the perfect time for the team.

Whatever happens with Donato remains to be seen, but Hall is going to be moved along with a few other pending UFAs if possible. The Blackhawks have to bring in some assets and look towards improving for next season.

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