5 Chicago Blackhawk Pending UFAs Eyed for NHL Trade Deadline

Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, Ilya Mikheyev, Matt Grzelcyk, and Nick Foligno could be on the move as the Blackhawks look to rebuild.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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As the Chicago Blackhawks continue their rebuild, several pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) on the roster are drawing trade interest ahead of the NHL's trade deadline. The names generating the most buzz are defenseman Connor Murphy, center Jason Dickinson, winger Ilya Mikheyev, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, and veteran forward Nick Foligno.

Why it matters

The Blackhawks are firmly out of playoff contention this season, so trading away some of their pending UFAs could help them acquire future assets and open up roster spots for younger players as part of their ongoing rebuild. Contending teams are often willing to pay a premium for experienced players who can fill specific roles, making this an opportune time for the Blackhawks to potentially get good value in return.

The details

Connor Murphy is seen as the easiest Blackhawk to move, as right-shot defensemen who can play tough minutes in a bottom-pair role are in high demand at the deadline. Jason Dickinson is another pending UFA who could interest contenders looking for a reliable two-way third-line center. Ilya Mikheyev, who scored 20 goals last season, would likely generate the most trade interest of the group due to his combination of offensive ability and penalty-killing skills. Matt Grzelcyk is more of a puck-moving defenseman, so his market may depend on which teams are seeking that specific skillset. Finally, trading away veteran captain Nick Foligno would be a difficult decision, but his mix of grit and experience could make him an attractive rental option for a playoff team.

  • The NHL trade deadline is set for late February, shortly after the Olympic break and roster freeze are lifted.
  • The Blackhawks currently sit at 22-26-9 and have just a 0.8% chance of making the playoffs this season.

The players

Connor Murphy

A right-shot defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks who can play tough minutes in a bottom-pair role, making him an attractive trade target for contending teams.

Jason Dickinson

A pending unrestricted free agent center for the Chicago Blackhawks who plays a reliable two-way game, potentially appealing to playoff teams looking for a third-line center.

Ilya Mikheyev

A winger for the Chicago Blackhawks who scored 20 goals last season and also contributes on the penalty kill, likely generating significant trade interest.

Matt Grzelcyk

A puck-moving defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks whose market value may depend on which teams are seeking that specific skillset.

Nick Foligno

The veteran captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, who could be an attractive rental option for a playoff team due to his mix of grit and experience, though trading the team's captain would be a difficult decision.

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What they’re saying

“Connor Murphy sits on the Chicago Blackhawks trade board, and it feels like the rebuild just hit that cold, familiar February wall.”

— Sam Walker, Chicago Hockey Insider (hawksinsider.com)

“If Kyle Davidson sells two or three of these UFAs, he opens spots for younger legs and keeps future cap flexibility clean.”

— Sam Walker, Chicago Hockey Insider (hawksinsider.com)

What’s next

The real action on potential trades involving the Blackhawks' pending UFAs is expected to pick up quickly after the NHL's trade freeze is lifted in late February, as contending teams look to add pieces for their playoff pushes.

The takeaway

The Blackhawks' rebuild is in full swing, and trading away some of their pending unrestricted free agents could help them acquire valuable future assets and open up roster spots for younger players, even if it means parting with veteran leaders like Nick Foligno.