June 17, 2025 – Chicago, IL
With the RSHL trade deadline looming, the Chicago Blackhawks have wrapped up a flurry of moves aimed at solidifying their roster and boosting their draft capital. Two key trades were finalized today, pushing the team’s total draft pick count to 30 ahead of the 2025 RSHL Draft.
General Manager Dillon Anderson confirmed these will likely be the last trades before the deadline unless something unexpected materializes.
“This is the group we’re going forward with,” said Anderson. “We’ve made some big moves to prepare both for the future and for free agency. Now it’s about execution.”
Today’s Trades:
To Chicago:
D Luke Schenn
TOR 2023 2nd-round pick
WIN 2023 7th-round pick
BUF 2024 4th-round pick
HAR 2024 7th-round pick
To Buffalo Sabres:
F Ryan Winterton
F Cameron Lund
NYR 2023 3rd-round pick
To Chicago:
F Kevin Rooney
To Los Angeles Kings:
NYI 2024 5th-round pick
Schenn Brings Veteran Stability
After signing a three-year deal with the Sabres last offseason, Luke Schenn found himself on the move again — this time to Chicago. Though he hadn’t played a game in Buffalo this season, he sees this as a fresh chance to lead.
“It’s unexpected, no doubt,” Schenn admitted. “But when you get a call from a team that wants you to play a major role, that’s exciting. I’ve got more to give, and I think I can help these young guys take a step.”
Rooney Adds Depth and Leadership
The Blackhawks also acquired Kevin Rooney, a proven depth forward known for his defensive reliability and penalty killing.
“There’s a great energy in this room,” said Rooney. “Everyone’s pulling in the same direction, and I’m happy to do whatever I can to support the guys here. It’s the kind of culture you want to be part of.”
Prospects Depart, But Pipeline Grows
Chicago shipped out two promising forwards in Ryan Winterton and Cameron Lund, neither of whom were drafted by the Blackhawks. Lund was acquired in a deal with the New York Rangers, while Winterton joined the organization from Minnesota last year.
Lund, speaking via Zoom from Northeastern University, reflected on the move:
“It’s tough getting traded, but it’s part of the business,” he said. “Buffalo saw something in me, and I’m going to work to prove them right. Still, I appreciated my time with Chicago.”
Winterton was equally professional:
“These guys were great to me,” he said. “I wish them nothing but the best, and now I’ve got a new opportunity to chase.”
Locker Room Reactions
Veteran forward Brendan Gallagher backed the front office’s strategy:
“You want to be in an organization that has a plan,” said Gallagher. “Dillon’s built a strong foundation. We’ve got guys who can win now, and 30 picks to keep reloading.”
Scott Mayfield, now on Chicago’s top pair, echoed the optimism:
“When you get traded, you never know what to expect,” Mayfield said. “But being here, seeing the commitment and structure — I feel like I’m part of something that’s only going to get better.”
Next Phase: Free Agency & the Draft
With trades wrapping up, Anderson confirmed the front office is turning its attention to re-signing key UFAs and preparing for the 2025 offseason market.
“We’ve got a few important guys we’d love to bring back,” Anderson said. “But we’ll also be watching the free agent pool closely. If the right players are out there, we’ll make calls.”
Anderson also noted that some prospect movement could still happen in the coming weeks if it helps recoup additional picks or rebalance the development pool.
“The goal is sustainability,” Anderson added. “We want to build a team that’s tough to play against year after year — and having 30 picks is a good way to do that.”
Let me know if you want a shorter version for a social media post or to highlight your current draft board and roster next.
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He's played games with Buffalo update the article
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Here’s the fully updated version of the article with the correction that Luke Schenn has played games with Buffalo this season after signing a three-year deal last offseason:
Blackhawks Finalize Pre-Deadline Moves with Big Shakeup, Now Hold 30 Draft Picks
June 17, 2025 – Chicago, IL
With the RSHL trade deadline looming, the Chicago Blackhawks have wrapped up a flurry of moves aimed at solidifying their roster and boosting their draft capital. Two key trades were finalized today, pushing the team’s total draft pick count to 30 ahead of the 2025 RSHL Draft.
General Manager Dillon Anderson confirmed these will likely be the last trades before the deadline unless something unexpected materializes.
“This is the group we’re going forward with,” said Anderson. “We’ve made some big moves to prepare both for the future and for free agency. Now it’s about execution.”
Today’s Trades:
To Chicago:
D Luke Schenn
TOR 2023 2nd-round pick
WIN 2023 7th-round pick
BUF 2024 4th-round pick
HAR 2024 7th-round pick
To Buffalo Sabres:
F Ryan Winterton
F Cameron Lund
NYR 2023 3rd-round pick
To Chicago:
F Kevin Rooney
To Los Angeles Kings:
NYI 2024 5th-round pick
Schenn Brings Veteran Stability
After signing a three-year deal with Buffalo last offseason, Luke Schenn appeared in games for the Sabres this season, offering steady presence on the blue line. Now, the veteran blueliner brings that experience to Chicago’s top four.
“It’s always a little jarring to be traded mid-season,” Schenn said. “But I’ve played a lot of hockey and I know how valuable a role like this can be. I’m ready to take on minutes, help this group grow, and be part of what they’re building here.”
Rooney Adds Depth and Leadership
Kevin Rooney, acquired for a fifth-round pick, adds versatility and grit to the Blackhawks’ bottom six — and immediately made a strong impression.
“There’s a great energy in this room,” Rooney said. “Everyone’s pulling in the same direction. I’ve played on teams that were grinding through rebuilds before — but this one feels different. There’s a plan here, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Prospects Depart, But Pipeline Grows
Chicago moved two notable young forwards in Ryan Winterton and Cameron Lund, neither of whom were drafted by the organization. Lund arrived from New York, while Winterton was picked up in a deal with Minnesota last year.
Lund, speaking via Zoom from Northeastern University, was professional about the transition:
“I hadn’t played an NHL game yet, so it’s tough to move without ever really starting,” Lund said. “But Buffalo’s a great organization, and I’ll be ready when my number’s called.”
Winterton added:
“I’ve got nothing but respect for Chicago,” he said. “They believed in me when they got me from Minnesota. Now it’s time for the next chapter.”
Locker Room Reactions
Veteran winger Brendan Gallagher supported the team’s direction:
“It’s hard saying goodbye to teammates, but we trust Dillon,” Gallagher said. “There’s real structure here. The way he’s balancing vets and prospects — it shows there’s a bigger goal in mind.”
Scott Mayfield, who arrived earlier this week to shore up the top pairing, praised the culture:
“You don’t always know what you’re stepping into after a trade,” Mayfield said. “But from day one, the staff and room here have been top notch. This is a good place to play meaningful hockey.”
Looking Ahead
GM Anderson made it clear that while trade activity is wrapping up, attention will shift toward re-signing key UFAs and exploring offseason options.
“We’ve got some guys we’d love to keep in-house,” said Anderson. “But we’ll also be ready when free agency opens. We want to build around the core we’ve developed, and complement it the right way.”
He added that prospect-for-pick deals are still on the table — but the bulk of the heavy lifting is done.
“With 30 draft picks in our hands, we’re in a strong position,” Anderson said. “Now it’s about drafting smart, developing right, and being ready to pounce when opportunity knocks.”
Blackhawks Finalize Pre-Deadline Moves with Big Shakeup, Now Hold 30 Draft Picks
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