The Blackhawks entered the trade deadline with a clear objective: move out veterans, bring in young talent, and set the stage for the future. Mission accomplished—sort of.

Spencer Knight, shown here in this first game as a Chicago Blackhawk. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)

GM Kyle Davidson wasn’t the busiest man in the NHL, but he made smart, calculated moves to continue the team’s rebuild. The biggest headline? Moving Seth Jones, which not only freed up cap space but also landed Chicago a potential franchise goaltender.

What the Blackhawks Gave Up:

• Seth Jones (to Florida for Spencer Knight and assets)
• Petr Mrazek & Craig Smith (to Detroit for Joe Veleno)

Veteran Petr Mrazek was told by the Chicago Blackhawks he was being taken out of the goaltending rotation. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

What the Blackhawks Acquired:

• Spencer Knight – A former first-round pick who could be the team’s long-term solution in net.
• Joe Veleno – A young, speedy forward who gets a fresh start after falling out of favor in Detroit.
• Future cap flexibility – Shedding Jones’ contract opens up options for free agency and future trades.

Seth Jones, acquired by FLA, is a minute-munching defenceman who is strong on the puck, big, and above-average in almost every facet of the game. His Achilles hill the past five years has been agility which makes him vulnerable defending the rush. pic.twitter.com/uzpWlmchff

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 2, 2025

The Verdict:

The addition of Spencer Knight is a major win. The 23-year-old netminder arrived in Chicago and immediately impressed, posting a .976 save percentage in his debut. If he lives up to his potential, the Blackhawks just secured a key piece of their rebuild.

Moving Mrazek and Smith was expected, but getting Veleno in return is a solid gamble. He hasn’t quite found his NHL footing, but with more ice time and a fresh start, he could develop into a useful piece for Chicago.

Kyle Davidson explains what drew the team to new Blackhawks forward Joe Veleno pic.twitter.com/yabo7drfLI

— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) March 8, 2025

One surprise? Ryan Donato stayed put. Many expected him to be moved, but the Blackhawks opted to hold onto him, possibly with an extension in mind. His work ethic and leadership could make him a valuable presence for this young team.

Davidson didn’t make a blockbuster move, but that was never the plan. This deadline was about setting up the future while keeping the rebuild on track. The true test comes this summer, when the Blackhawks will have cap space and assets to work with.

Final Grade: B – A steady, smart deadline that didn’t shake the world but kept the long-term vision intact.