Trade Rumor: Chicago Blackhawks Shopping Two Players

The Chicago Blackhawks have made several changes already this season and more are on the way. Reports have surfaced stating the Blackhawks have been calling other teams about Dylan Strome and Adam Gaudette.

Strome has been mentioned previously this season after having a hard time getting himself into the lineup. Gaudette's name is a new one. Both players are 25 or under and are pending restricted free agents, with Strome making significantly more on the cap at $3 million.

Gaudette is a checking winger who could provide some depth to a team's bottom-six. So far in eight games this season, he's managed one goal and one assist. His best season came back in 2019-20 with the Vancouver Canucks where the Braintree, Mass. native put up 33 points in 59 games. Gaudette's at his best when he's using his speed and pressuring defensemen on the forecheck. He's managed just over 10 minutes of ice-time so far this season in Chicago.

Adam Gaudette: "I'm still waiting for a bigger role, opportunity. I know I can do it, but it's just a matter of earning the trust with the coaches."

Said he's gotten into carrying crystals and doing saging cleanses to keep his confidence up.

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) November 10, 2021

Adam Gaudette said he’s embraced some spiritual methods, including carrying around a tiger’s eye crystal & using dragon’s blood sage, to help with his confidence.

“It’s new to me & I’m trying to figure it, but I like it. It gives me a sense of calming and puts my mind at ease.”

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) November 10, 2021

Strome on the other hand was a top-3 pick that's shown he can score with the best of them but hasn't been able to find a role in Chicago. With Jonathan Toews and Kirby Dach down the middle, Strome isn't the typical third-line checking center and is better suited playing with offensive minded players. The Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres have been in contact with the Blackhawks on a potential deal.

Dylan Strome: "It actually was nice to get the goal because I took that dumb penalty in the corner with 5 seconds left in the period. Felt nicer because I did that. Nice to have that confidence by the coach to get you out there after you made a mistake."

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) November 13, 2021

Unless the Blackhawks go on an absolute tear, expect a fire sale on the trade market and these two could be the beginning of it all.

Photo credit:   James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports