Blackhawks Rumors: Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews' contract dillemas, where will Chicago go from here?

The Chicago Blackhawks may be the living embodiment of the saying "all good things must come to an end." After becoming one of the most dominant NHL franchises of the 2010's, the Blackhawks find themselves on the verge of entering a rebuild.

Thanks to a core superstar group of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook, the Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups in 2009-10, 2013-14, and 2014-15.

Those victories helped revitalize one of the oldest franchises in NHL history, doubling the club's total championship wins. However, it appears clear to the franchise, as well as the fans, that a retooling of the roster is needed.

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From the original championship core, both Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook have since retired from the NHL. Now, heading into March 3's NHL trade deadline, both Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews may soon find themselves with a new team for the first time in their professional careers.

"It is starting to sound to me like the #Blackhawks may actually trade Patrick Kane before the NHL Trade Deadline. They would be foolish not to do everything in their power to get it done. Dallas? New Jersey? New York? Buffalo?" - Vinnie Parise

The veteran forwards are pending unrestricted free agents in the final season of eight-year contracts. Both have trade clauses in their contracts, so they would need to approve any potential deal for it to happen.

Kane has endured a difficult season for the club. The 34-year-old has recorded nine goals and 25 assists in 45 games this season. While he may no longer be the prolific scorer he once was, in the right situation, he could be a boost to many Stanley Cup contenders.

Toews, also 34 years old, has struggled for a few years now, not scoring more than 18 goals in a season since 2019-20. The Blackhawks captain is trending towards the end of his Hall of Fame career, however, he should be a productive addition to his new team if he is moved.

With Chicago bottom of the Central Division, a rebuild looks to be in order. Trading Kane and Toews makes a lot more sense than letting them walk at the end of the season, as they need draft capital and young players to build for the future.

The Chicago Blackhawks could find their next franchise cornerstone in the upcoming NHL draft

After an underwhelming season, the Blackhawks find themselves with the second-highest odds of landing the first selection in the 2023 NHL draft. The consensus first-overall pick is potential superstar forward Connor Bedard. If Chicago can land him in the draft, they may be able to supercharge their rebuilding efforts.

Trading Kane and Toews for young talent or picks in future drafts seems like a wise choice for a franchise that is not competing for the Stanley Cup this season.

If Bedard finds himself with the Blackhawks, it could be a similar start to Chicago's 2010's dynasty. After all, Patrick Kane was drafted first overall in 2007, and Jonathan Toews third in 2006.