The trade speculation has already begun for the Chicago Blackhawks this season, with NHL insider Frank Seravalli reporting Tuesday on Chicago Sports Network that GM Kyle Davidson is looking to bring in outside help amidst his team’s 4-8-0 start.

Davidson is actively searching the trade market for shoot-first scoring wingers to help provide more offense to a Blackhawks’ group that currently ranks 31st in goals scored per game and 32nd in 5v5 shot attempts per game.

One of the players Davidson appears to be targeting is Washington Capitals former first-round pick Ivan Miroshnichenko, selected 20th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft.

The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reported the Blackhawks are among several teams showing interest in Miroshnichenko, including the Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and Philadelphia Flyers.

Miroshnichenko, 22, has played four pro seasons with the Capitals’ organization but has yet to consistently crack the NHL lineup. Since appearing in 21 NHL games as a rookie in 2023-24, the Russian winger has only played 34 games combined over the last three seasons.

In 55 career games, Miroshnichenko has six goals and eight assists for 14 points while averaging just 10:34 of ice time. He’s also tallied 100 hits and has a 10.5 career shooting percentage.

Miroshnichenko has spent most of his time in North America developing in the AHL with the Hershey Bears. He’s been an effective point producer at that level, with 76 points (37G, 39A) in 94 games across the last two years. He also helped Hershey win the Calder Cup in 2023-24 as a rookie, tallying 12 points (7G, 5A) in 20 playoff games.

Now in his fourth pro season, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound forward made the Capitals roster out of training camp, but has been healthy-scratched in eight of the team’s opening 11 games. Washington could elect to send Miroshnichenko back to Hershey, but he’s no longer waivers-exempt, meaning they’d risk losing him to another team for nothing in return.

With Miroshnichenko’s future with the Capitals looking bleak, the team has reportedly granted him and his camp permission to speak to other teams regarding a potential trade. Elliotte Friedman broke the news on Saturday.

Potential Price For Miroshnichenko

The Capitals are reportedly willing to trade Miroshnichenko but are looking for a legitimate return, similar to what the Columbus Blue Jackets received for Egor Chinakhov when they traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins last year. Columbus netted veteran forward Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick in exchange for Chinakhov.

Miroshnichenko finds himself in a similar situation to what Chinakhov dealt with last year, with the two Russian wingers fittingly selected one pick apart in 2020. But the difference is Chinakhov was much more established before ultimately getting traded, which now seems inevitable for Miroshnichenko.

Chinakhov played in 204 games and produced 77 points in four seasons with Columbus. Meanwhile, Miroshnichenko barely has over half a season of NHL experience under his belt and has nowhere near that point total. Washington having multiple interested suitors could help their return package, but it shouldn’t be as significant as what Pittsburgh gave up for Chinakhov.

Should Davidson Get A Deal Done?

With Miroshnichenko being an unproven commodity in the NHL, Davidson would be rolling the dice by bringing him to Chicago, but he fits what the Blackhawks need. More size and skill.

Miroshnichenko also brings a shoot-first mentality to the table, averaging nearly three shot attempts per game despite mostly playing a fourth-line role throughout his NHL career so far. Plus, he’s shown a willingness to be engaged physically and can play with an edge. The Blackhawks need help in both those areas.

As for the price; Considering Davidson possesses multiple second-round picks in each of the next two NHL Drafts, parting ways with one or two in exchange for Miroshnichenko would be well within reason. If Washington is looking for a roster player as part of the package, perhaps Andrew Mangiapane would be of interest.

Mangiapane has similar career statistics to Heinen, who was involved in the Chinakhov trade, as mentioned earlier. He’s currently the 13th forward for the Blackhawks and could remain in that spot for the significant future barring any injuries. Mangiapane is also familiar with the Capitals organization and a decent chunk of their current roster, having played with the team in 2024-25.

With only four goals in the last four games, the Blackhawks should be considering all avenues to improve their offense. Acquiring Miroshnichenko is a somewhat risky proposition, but it’s a high-upside trade Davidson should try to finalize. He possesses the assets to get a deal done, and the price shouldn’t be anything he can’t afford.