DENVER — The Chicago Blackhawks returned to game action Thursday, falling to the Nashville Predators 4-2 after allowing three unanswered third-period goals. No loss is desirable, but the team was happy to be playing games again after a 21-day break for the Olympics. The road trip continues Saturda y in Colorado, Sunday in Utah and Tuesday against Jonathan Toews’ Winnipeg Jets before the Hawks finally see their home crowd again Friday against the Vancouver Canucks. It may be a different-looking team, though, that takes the ice at the United Center. The NHL trade deadline is at 2 p.m. Friday, and several Hawks veterans have seen their name bounced around in rumors, though moving them isn’t certain. Defenseman Connor Murphy, who turns 33 next month, is the likeliest to be traded. His average ice time of 16 minutes, 28 seconds is his lowest since his first season with the Hawks in 2017-18. Murphy is the longest-tenured Hawk by a wide margin, in his ninth season with the team since arriving in a June 2017 trade with the Arizona Coyotes for Niklas Hjalmarsson. He learned under Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and others, eventually becoming an alternate captain. Murphy has seen players come and go, and now he’s a leader for one of the youngest teams he has been on. That youth could be the reason he wears another team’s sweater in the next week. Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy tosses a puck into the stands before a game against the Sharks on Feb. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) “Naturally when you see it or hear of (trade rumors), it’s going to be on your mind a little bit,” Murphy said. “No matter what the situation or what the business of the league calls for, you still show up day to day and are excited to be with your team and to put work in and try to improve and win games that you’re a part of. “Those are things that are a bit out of your control, and you try to just show up day to day and play hard and still grow with your team that you’re so prideful for.” NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported in early February that the expected return for Murphy is a third-round pick, though the Hawks are hoping to receive a second-rounder in a potential deal. Hawks coach Jeff Blashill mentioned that he spoke with some players individually regarding the trade deadline. Murphy said his talk with Blashill was nothing “too drastic” or a surprise. Center Jason Dickinson’s name has been in trade talks as well. Like Murphy, it’s not his sole focus but it’s hard to not ponder. “(I haven’t thought about it) as much as you might think, (but) it’s obviously crossed my mind,” Dickinson said. “I have a wife and kids to worry about. I need to make sure they understand the reality of what could happen and the timing of things. “I don’t think about it in terms of, ‘Is today going to be the day?’ I’m here, I’m a part of this group and I’m working toward winning games.” As an alternate captain with Murphy, the 30-year-old Dickinson has needed his mental maturity to lead the young Hawks squad. He credits that for why a potential trade isn’t bothering him much. “A lot of mental training,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve worked on, but it’s more so just learned experiences, going through similar situations, being able to compartmentalize the outside noise and what’s going on. It wasn’t always the case. I used to let it get to me. I used to let the noise creep in. “As I’ve gotten older and I’ve experienced more of the league, I’ve been able to set those things aside and control what I can control.” Blackhawks center Jason Dickinson smiles while stretching before playing the Flyers on Dec. 23, 2025, at the United Center. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Sam Rinzel sat near Dickinson in the locker room, and Dickinson joked that the 21-year-old defenseman would call him out if he was lying with his answers. The positive vibe in the Hawks locker room is just one reason Dickinson has enjoyed his time in Chicago. “I’ve been a leader in many different ways throughout my career,” said Dickinson, whom the Hawks acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in 2022, “and this year has been a whole new challenge in being the de facto older guy that’s played around (and) done things, so he can be a voice to guide instead of just leading by example. Now it’s been a little bit more talking to guys about what the league is about and what happens and the business side of things, and that there’s hard days for you and there’s good days for you. “They’re hopping in the league at 21, 22, 23, (and) I want them to be able to handle it by 25 so that they’re able to launch themselves forward. Those are the things that I’ve learned most about myself, that I’ve been able to read how guys respond.” Wherever he might be moved before the deadline, Dickinson has learned one aspect about trades: The grass isn’t always greener. “I know that’s such an obvious statement and everybody knows it, but do they ever actually see it?” said Dickinson, who was traded from the Dallas Stars to the Canucks in 2021. “When I got to Vancouver, I thought things were going to be great, and it wasn’t great. “That’s where I’ve learned that things are going to be good in different organizations and bad in others, and things are going to be good with different teams and people. My time in Chicago has been great, and I’ve loved every minute of it.” Dickinson has 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 44 games this season. He has had highs and lows, missing a slew of games on injured reserve while also producing on a line with Ryan Donato and Ilya Mikheyev. His trade value hasn’t been reported, but there are more sellers than buyers in the NHL, which could lower trade returns across the league. Blackhawks right wing Ilya Mikheyev looks for the puck while battling Kraken defenseman Ryker Evans on Nov. 20, 2025, at the United Center. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Mikheyev’s value, meanwhile, may be peaking as the deadline nears. The 31-year-old right wing has 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 53 games and has made a case as the NHL’s best individual penalty killer on the Hawks’ top-ranked PK (85.2%). NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported on his “32 Thoughts” podcast that the Hawks hoped to extend Mikheyev’s contract, but the sides have been unable to reach a deal. Hence, he is on the trade market as well. Unlike Murphy and Dickinson, Mikheyev seemed like the thought of being moved hadn’t even entered his consciousness. “I don’t think (about) contracts or trades,” he said. “We’ll see what’s happening. I want to focus on the game and the practice because we came back from a long break.” He did reiterate his love for the Hawks and playing with this team. If this is the end of the road in Chicago, it won’t have been in vain. “We’ll see what’s the best right now,” Mikheyev said. “In the middle in the season (it’s) hard to say something. I love Chicago because it’s a good city.” ...read more read less