Chicago Blackhawks news: Jake McCabe, Connor Murphy in demand and Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews' present contractual dilemmas

As the March 3 trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Blackhawks appear to be preparing for a big market presence. Connor Murphy and Jake McCabe have been the subject of several rumors and many expect them both to be traded before the deadline passes.

Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews' contracts expire this season and negotiations are expected to pick up this month.

Blackhawks receive requests for Connor Murphy and Jake McCabe

Nashville Predators v Chicago Blackhawks

According to reports, Chicago have received requests for the two defensemen's signatures.

The Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs are rumored to be interested. However, both players are currently on long-term contracts, which makes things a bit more complicated.

Connor Murphy signed a four-year contract for $17.6 million with a salary cap hit of $4.4 million in 2022 that will expire after the 2025-26 season. Jake McCabe, on the other hand, agreed to a four-year, $16 million contract with a $4 million salary cap hit. His contract with the Blackhawks will expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.

According to Frank Seravalli of the Daily Face Off, McCabe has a seven-team ‘no-trade’ list. This includes all seven Canadian teams with the exception of the Maple Leafs.

McCabe also has something of a worrisome injury history, but his health this season suggests that could be behind him.

"According to Frank Seravalli Jake McCabe has a 7 team no trade... all Canadian teams ...except... the Toronto Maple Leafs ..."-@TMapleLeafsMuse- Twitter

Connor Murphy has played 48 games and has accumulated seven points with five goals and two assists. His fellow teammate McCabe, on the other hand, has played 45 games and has amassed 14 points with two goals and 12 assists.

Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews' contracts combined with Chicago's poor season presents a dilemma

Vancouver Canucks v Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews' eight-year contracts (totalling $84 million each with a salary cap hit of $10.5 million) are coming to an end. Both legends will be unrestricted free agents after the current season finishes, with most fans wanting them to finish their careers in Chicago jerseys.

However, given their high salary cap of $10.5 million, this seems doubtful. The Blackhawks are currently having one of their worst seasons, sitting in the basement of the Central Division with 34 points.

Instead of renewing their previous squad members, Chicago will likely focus on signing new players so that they can return to their winning ways. Both players' contract negotiations are expected to pick up this month and if they cannot reach an agreement, they could be traded elsewhere.

Chicago's underwhelming campaign may result in players leaving before the deadline

Chicago Blackhawks v Philadelphia Flyers

The Blackhawks are one of the most successful teams in the NHL, having won the Stanley Cup six times. However, they are presently having one of their worst seasons, currently sitting at the bottom of the Central Division with only 34 points. They're 48 games into the 82 game grind and this seems like as good a time as any to look to the future.

WIth this season requiring something of a miracle to save, Chicago looks to be open to rebuilding. If they can't win this year, they may look to next season. Trading away players and looking to the draft is a very realistic possibility.