The Chicago Blackhawks recently made headlines by trading forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach to the Edmonton Oilers. In return, they acquired Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional first-round pick for 2027. Dickinson is set to become a free agent, and the Blackhawks are keeping half of his $4.25 million cap hit. The draft pick is protected if it falls within the top 12.
Dickinson, 30, has had a tough season with six goals and 13 points in 47 games. He is expected to take up a third-line role with the Oilers, which should help balance their lineup. With Adam Henrique centered on the fourth line, Dickinson will focus on defensive checking duties.
Colton Dach, on the other hand, is a 23-year-old who was drafted by Stan Bowman while he was with the Blackhawks. Currently, he’s in the final year of his entry-level contract and has managed three goals and nine points in 53 games this season.
Mangiapane, 29, is under contract until 2027 with a cap hit of $3.6 million. He has had a rough patch lately, with only seven goals and 14 points and was even assigned to the AHL after clearing waivers. The Blackhawks see potential in him, especially since he previously scored a career-high of 35 goals in the 2021-22 season.
The Blackhawks’ strategy is clear: they are actively rebuilding and focusing on the future. While Dickinson expressed his fondness for the team, it seems he is not part of their long-term plans. “I love the guys, I love the group,” he shared back in January.
This season, Dickinson has played a crucial role in the Blackhawks’ defense, often facing the opposing team’s best players. Coach Jeff Blashill praised his leadership and ability to take on tough matchups. “He’s carried a lot of responsibility,” Blashill noted, reflecting on how important he has been, especially when key players were injured.
Health has been a concern for Dickinson in recent years. Despite a breakout three seasons ago with 22 goals, he hasn’t matched that scoring since, netting only six this season. With the trade, the Blackhawks are fresh off a series of complex moves, including recent trades involving Seth Jones and Connor Murphy, leaving them with no remaining salary cap retention spots.
As the Blackhawks continue to gather early-round draft picks—totaling up to 11 first-round and five second-round picks over the last four drafts—their long-term vision is becoming clearer. The team possesses two first-round picks and three second-round picks in 2026, and two first-round and two second-round picks in 2027.
In summary, this trade signifies a step in the Blackhawks’ rebuilding journey. By offloading players who don’t fit their future plans, they are laying the groundwork for a stronger team that can compete in the coming years. For more details on the Blackhawks’ rebuilding efforts, you can check the latest NHL draft analysis.
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Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, NHL
