Chicago Blackhawks Should Lock Up Mikheyev, Dickinson Before Trade Deadline

Veteran forwards provide stability as team rebuilds around young stars

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Chicago Blackhawks are in a rebuilding season, sitting at 22-26-9 and approaching the NHL trade deadline on March 6. While the team is expected to be sellers, the article argues that the Blackhawks should prioritize re-signing forwards Ilya Mikheyev and Jason Dickinson rather than trading them away as rental pieces. Mikheyev and Dickinson provide valuable veteran leadership, defensive responsibility, and depth scoring that can help stabilize the team as young stars like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar develop.

Why it matters

Keeping Mikheyev and Dickinson would provide a solid foundation for the Blackhawks' rebuild, giving their young core reliable two-way players to learn from. In a season of moral victories, retaining these 'stabilizers' can help stop the team's rebuild from becoming an endless loop.

The details

Mikheyev, 28, has 11 goals and 23 points this season while playing a key role on the Blackhawks' penalty kill. Dickinson, 27, has 6 goals and 13 points, providing valuable defensive play and puck possession in tough minutes. Both players fit the 'stabilizer' role that the Blackhawks need around their young skill players like Bedard and Nazar.

  • The NHL trade deadline is set for March 6, 2026.

The players

Ilya Mikheyev

A 28-year-old forward who provides valuable two-way play, defensive responsibility, and depth scoring for the Blackhawks.

Jason Dickinson

A 27-year-old center who excels in defensive matchups and puck possession, providing stability for the Blackhawks' young core.

Connor Bedard

A highly touted young star who the Blackhawks are building their future around.

Frank Nazar

Another promising young player who the Blackhawks hope will be part of their long-term core.

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What they’re saying

“Mikheyev is exactly the kind of veteran you keep around when you're trying to raise a standard. He plays fast, defends honest, and does the grimy stuff that makes young skill players safer.”

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

“Dickinson is the other one for me, because centers who can handle ugly minutes don't grow on trees. He can start in his own end, win a battle, and get the puck going the right way.”

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

What’s next

The Blackhawks will need to negotiate contract extensions with both Mikheyev and Dickinson before the March 6 trade deadline in order to keep them in Chicago.

The takeaway

Retaining veteran 'stabilizers' like Mikheyev and Dickinson is crucial for the Blackhawks as they rebuild around their young stars. Keeping these reliable two-way players can help provide a solid foundation and stop the team's rebuild from becoming an endless cycle of moral victories.