Blackhawks Eye $31M Star in Bold Trade Proposal to Accelerate Rebuild
The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to shift their focus from rebuilding to competing, and adding some key impact players could be the next step in that process. A trade proposal from Heavy.com suggests a blockbuster move that would bring star forward Jason Robertson from the Dallas Stars to Chicago. 
Proposed Trade:
Blackhawks Acquire:
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Jason Robertson
Stars Acquire:
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Connor Murphy
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Lukas Reichel
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2026 first-round pick (Florida)
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2026 second-round pick (Toronto)
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2026 second-round pick (Islanders)
This trade would significantly bolster the Blackhawks’ offense by adding Robertson, a first-line talent. On the other hand, Dallas would gain a reliable NHL defenseman, a young forward with potential, and three valuable draft picks that could help them acquire more impact players.
Robertson, entering the final year of his four-year, $31 million contract, had a standout 2023 season, posting 35 goals and 45 assists for 80 points in 82 games. His name has surfaced in trade rumors, and the Blackhawks would be wise to make a move to secure his services.
In exchange, Chicago would part with three 2026 draft picks (none of which are their own), plus defenseman Connor Murphy, who is in the final year of his $17.6 million contract. Murphy, a solid second-pairing defenseman, tallied 2 goals and 17 assists for 19 points in 68 games last season. The Blackhawks would also trade Lukas Reichel, a 2020 first-round pick who hasn’t fully met expectations. Reichel, who played primarily on the fourth line last season, could find more opportunity in Dallas with a middle-six role. He registered 8 goals and 14 assists for 22 points in 70 games.
Blackhawks GM Optimistic About Rebuild’s Progress
Though the Blackhawks struggled last season, finishing with a 25-46-11 record (second-worst in the NHL), there is growing optimism within the organization. GM Kyle Davidson recently expressed that he feels the team is nearing the end of its rebuild.
“I’m probably more optimistic having seen the years our young players are having throughout the organization,” Davidson said in January. “I’m really excited and really happy with where things are headed. The NHL team didn’t have the success we hoped for in the first half, but it doesn’t diminish the big-picture progress we’re making.”
Chicago is hopeful that with more competitive play next season, they’ll be on track to challenge for a playoff spot.
Robertson’s Trade Status
Despite being one of the top players for Dallas, Robertson has been linked to trade rumors. The Stars are facing a cap crunch, and there’s speculation around whether they’ll extend Robertson, who has one year left on his $7.75 million contract. After this season, he will become a restricted free agent, adding uncertainty to his future in Dallas.
NHL.com analyst Dan Rosen noted that a trade is “50/50” at this point, depending on whether the Stars and Robertson can agree to a contract extension sooner rather than later.
Robertson, selected 39th overall by the Stars in the 2017 NHL Draft, has established himself as a key player for Dallas and is a one-time NHL All-Star.
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