Blackhawks Expected to Trade Dickinson Before Deadline

Jason Dickinson, a defense-first center making $4.25 million, is expected to be the Blackhawks' next trade target after sending Connor Murphy to Edmonton. According to The Athletic's Chris Johnston, Dickinson is ideally suited for a bottom-six role on a strong team, producing strong underlying metrics despite being fed defensive-zone starts.

While Dickinson doesn't contribute much offensively, he can anchor a shutdown line and adds value as a penalty killer. With an expiring contract, the Blackhawks are motivated to trade him before losing him for nothing, as he doesn't fit Chicago's future plans. Multiple teams looking for a defensive center are reportedly interested in the 27-year-old.