Busy Day in Chicago: Blackhawks Reshape Blue Line, Add Youth, and Look to the Future

[Chicago]

It was a whirlwind Friday for the Chicago Blackhawks, who made a series of aggressive moves ahead of the RSHL trade deadline—bolstering their blue line, adding youth, and signaling a continued commitment to building for the future. GM Dillon Anderson pulled off three key trades, acquiring defensemen Scott Mayfield and Jordan Harris, along with forward Sam Lafferty, while parting ways with veterans David Perron, Erik Johnson, and Braden Smith.

“We’ve been busy—really busy,” Anderson said Friday night. “Our goal today was to firm up our blue line and get younger in the process. We feel really good about the players we brought in, and while it’s never easy saying goodbye to respected veterans, we know we’ve taken important steps forward.”

Mayfield Shocked, but Ready for Bigger Role

The first deal of the day saw the Blackhawks land Scott Mayfield from the Boston Bruins (previously part of San Jose’s core) in exchange for a 3rd- and 5th-round pick in the 2025 RSHL Draft.

“I’ll be honest, I didn’t see this one coming,” Mayfield said. “Things felt steady where I was, but hockey’s a business. That said, it’s nice to be back in a top-pair role. I’m ready for the responsibility, and this group in Chicago has some bite. I like that.”

GM Anderson praised Mayfield’s fit:
“Scott plays hard, plays smart, and brings the kind of size and experience we needed on the back end,” he said. “He’ll give us dependable minutes and help solidify our D-core moving forward.”

Blockbuster with Nashville: Harris In, Veterans Out

In a bold move, the Blackhawks sent David Perron, Erik Johnson, and Braden Smith to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Jordan Harris and two sixth-round picks.

Harris, a mobile 25-year-old defenseman, didn’t hold back when asked about the deal.

“I knew I was being watched by a few teams,” Harris said. “I’m young, I move the puck well, and I know I’m a guy GMs value. Nashville’s trying to go for it, but they’re behind St. Louis and I think moving me was a mistake. They won’t make the playoffs.”

Anderson called Harris a cornerstone addition:
“Jordan is exactly the type of player we were looking for,” he said. “After dealing some of our top D prospects in past years, this was a crucial piece to get back.”

The trade also gave Chicago some cap relief and two extra picks in what's expected to be a deep draft class.

Lafferty Brings Grit and Versatility

To wrap the day, the Blackhawks acquired Sam Lafferty in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick, adding another experienced depth piece to the forward group.

“We love what Sam brings—energy, versatility, and he’s great in the room,” said GM Anderson. “Yes, giving up a fourth-rounder this year wasn’t ideal, but with the stockpile of picks we already have, it was a deal we could afford to make.”

Lafferty, who spent most of his career in Detroit, said he’s excited for the opportunity in Chicago and sees a lot of similarities between the two cities.

“Detroit was a hardworking city, and I see a lot of that same identity here in Chicago,” Lafferty said. “This team is young, hungry, and I’m ready to dig in and earn my spot. Whether it's the fourth line, penalty kill, or just grinding out shifts, I’m here to work.”

More Moves Possible Before Deadline

Despite the flurry of moves, Anderson made it clear the Blackhawks may not be done.

“We’re still looking for a goaltender if the price is right,” he said. “And we might move some prospects to get even more draft capital. We’re building our pipeline our way, and now’s the time to make smart bets on the future.”

With 29 picks already secured for the upcoming RSHL Draft, the Blackhawks are armed with the tools to reshape their franchise from the ground up.

“It’s about vision and timing,” Anderson said. “We’re laying the foundation, and today was a big step in that process.”