Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Bold Predictions For 2022-23 Season

The Chicago Blackhawks had high hopes before last season began but unfortunately it went off the rails quickly and spiraled into a five-year rebuild. Blackhawks legends Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have made it very clear they want no part of the rebuild and look for some moves to happen this season. Here's three bold predictions from the Windy city:

Patrick Kane Traded to Rangers or Maple Leafs

Get ready for a two-horse race as the Kane sweepstakes are going to be fun to watch. His $10.5 million cap hit makes things tricky for every team, so expect to see a third team involved to eat some salary and be awarded with a prospect or a draft pick. Perhaps the Arizona Coyotes or the Anaheim Ducks get involved as the facilitator. The Rangers have Artemi Panarin to entice Kane with as he holds a full no-movement clause and all the cards. Panarin is Kane's favorite teammate of all-time so the chance to once again play together will be appealing. However, the Maple Leafs have Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner to try and win Kane over and if they end up completing the trio, it could be one of the best lines in hockey. When Kane gets dealt, look for one of these two teams to be involved.
 Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Toews Traded to Winnipeg Jets

The Jets are going to be battling for a playoff spot in the Western Conference this season and when time comes to unload the legends in Chicago, look for Toews to want to go home and play in front of family and friends. He'd slot in perfectly behind Mark Scheifele and Pierre-Luc Dubois and could be a nice compliment as a third-line checking center for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Blackhawks Make 5 Deadline Deals

With Kane and Toews on the way out, you can also circle Jack Johnson, Max Domi, and Andreas Athanasiou who are likely all being shipped out before the deadline. All three veterans were brought in on one-year deals, specifically to be turned into future assets. As it stands now the Blackhawks have four picks in the first two rounds of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, that's likely to be around seven or eight when it's all said and done.

Photo credit:  Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports