The Chicago Blackhawks have reached the NHL trade deadline working on something they have not done in a while: Selling. With their playoff hopes all but gone, the Blackhawks realize that they have to start thinking about the future and moving what assets they can. The problem is, there is not a lot that can be moved with the size and terms of the contracts of a number of veterans. Their options are limited, but they will try to sell what they can in hopes of getting draft picks and cap relief.

A rumor had been buzzing around 23-year-old Ryan Hartman being possible trade bait.

While not a veteran, the Blackhawks hoped they could get value back in a potential trade with him. Now it has been reported that Hartman is being shipped off to Nashville and the Blackhawks will be getting a 2018 first round pick in return. They are also getting 22-year-old Victor Ejdsell as part of the deal and another 2018 pick, as reported by The Athletic's Scott Powers. The Blackhawks Twitter made the official announcement.

Hartman to Nashville

It was really surprising when it was said that the Blackhawks wanted a first-round pick for Hartman. While only 23 years old with some promise, he was struggling a bit this season at times. In 57 games he scored eight goals with 17 assists for the Blackhawks this year.

Going to the Predators in a new environment may do him some good. It is hard to write off a young player so quickly, but sometimes a change of scenery can be a spark for a young player.

This return for the Blackhawks is intriguing.

Probably the most important part of the deal is having Nashville's first round pick in 2018. It may not be a high first-rounder, but it is a first round pick no less. For a young kid that is still trying to find consistency, this is a great get for Chicago. Also getting Victor Ejdsell is interesting. According to the Chicago Sun-Times' Mark Lazerus, the Blackhawks were eyeing him before he signed with Nashville.

Now they got him. He has played this season in his native Sweden, scoring 17 goals and 13 assists in the SHL.

The young core looking ahead

One of the few good things about watching the Blackhawks is the young forwards this team has. While Patrick Kane is still leading the way in scoring on the team (58 points), two key young guys are stepping up as well in Nick Schmaltz and Alex DeBrincat. These will be key pieces for the future and so far they have not disappointed. Schmaltz is second on the team in points with 42 and DeBrincat is fourth with 39.

In fact, DeBrincat is just one goal (22) behind Kane's leading 23 with Schmaltz at 17.

Also added to this mix are players like Vinnie Hinostroza, has six goals and 14 assists in 32 games at age 23. He looks like an important depth piece going forward. They will still have Toews and Kane alongside them for a number of years, but who better to help them continue to develop than them? If the Blackhawks can do some re-tooling over the next year or two, the current young core and the likes of Kane and Toews can go back to making a playoff run.
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