NHL Trade Rumors: 5 Likely Trade Pieces for the Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to improve the roster in the coming weeks. To do that, one must remember one important trade rule: to get something of value, you must give up something of value.

It's easy to rattle off draft busts and under performers when discussing trades. However, if you send garbage out, you'll likely take in the garbage of another organization.

Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is going to have to part with some prospects who could very well become productive NHL players in the next season or two in order to get the impact players he wants in Chicago this spring.

So forget a player like Kyle Beach, who is injured and slow to develop, anchoring a trade for a key piece.

There may be a fantasy owner who would take Beach, John Scott, Sami Lepisto and Michael Frolik for a stud defenseman, but let's not hold our breath waiting for that to happen as Bowman attempts to improve his roster.

Here are five prospects we may see leaving the organization so that the 'Hawks might pick up that vital piece before the trade deadline.

5. Shawn Lalonde

The shine is beginning to come off this puck-moving defender rather quickly, but the third-rounder from the 2008 draft could still generate some interest as part of a trade package.

Lalonde's progress has not been that of Dylan Olsen, who I think the 'Hawks will hang onto at this time. Moving Lalonde while his perceived value is still up may be a priority of Bowman. It's for this reason that I think Bowman may try to package Lalonde in an upcoming deal.

4. Andrew Shaw

If Shaw was 6'3", 220, he would be an absolute monster.

At 5'10", 180, Shaw is a terrific role player who is active around the net, cleans up loose pucks, and adds a feisty attitude. If you ask me about his long-term NHL chances, I question whether he can have a long career with his style, no matter how much I love that he plays that way.

The Blackhawks don't have a lot of size in their organization, which is why I think Olsen and Jimmy Hayes are less likely to be dealt. Shaw has enjoyed a meteoric rise since being drafted in the fifth round last summer. That said, he has good instincts around the net but lacks a quality NHL shot.

Again, I'd love to see Shaw stick around the organization. At the same time, using him to obtain a key piece of the puzzle is something that may happen if he can continue to impress.

3. Brian Connelly

An AHL All-Star last year, Connelly is currently second among league defensemen in scoring. With Rockford mired at the bottom of the AHL and little room for advancement with Nick Leddy ahead of him, it's hard to think Connelly will remain property of the Blackhawks.

There are teams around the league that could use a player with Connelly's skill set. As I've said many times, it doesn't appear that Chicago is one of them.

2. Jeremy Morin

Morin is still a talented offensive player who could find a home in Chicago. It's hard not to think he is off limits to other general managers, though.

Morin is off to a solid start in Rockford this month with three goals in five games. He should continue to get better with increased ice time, as several Ice Hogs are now appearing with the Blackhawks.

Morin looks to be a player who can become a steady NHL point-producer. To improve today, however, we may see Bowman send him out of town.

1. Brandon Pirri

Pirri has been up with the 'Hawks for four games this season. He leads Rockford in goals and points and will be playing in the AHL All-Star Game at the end of this month.

He is as good an offensive prospect as the 'Hawks have right now. However, I don't see Pirri and Kruger on the 'Hawks roster in the future. Both players project to a second-line center spot, and Pirri is more accomplished offensively while Kruger is the much better defender.

As good as Pirri has been this year and as much scoring potential he brings, he might be the player teams demand from Bowman when trade talk heats up.