The Chicago Blackhawks made their first (and possibly only) move of the 2024 trade deadline season around midday on Thursday.
According to a report from Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli — which was later confirmed by the Blackhawks — Chicago traded forward Anthony Beauvillier to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Nashville likely had interest in Beauvillier due to GM Barry Trotz, who coached Beauvillier while with the New York Islanders.
For the Blackhawks, the move makes sense: with the return of Andreas Athanasiou (groin injury) to the lineup happening as early as Saturday against the Washington Capitals, and NCAA prospects like Landon Slaggert and Frank Nazar possibly signing in the coming weeks, Beauvillier just wasn’t needed anymore.
As a former first-round pick who had solid potential while with the New York Islanders, there was some mild excitement when Beauvillier joined the Blackhawks with many hoping he could become a permanent fixture on the top line with Connor Bedard after Taylor Hall had season-ending surgery on his knee. Unfortunately, Beauvillier never found any chemistry with Bedard or anyone on the Chicago roster, putting up a measly two goals and four assists in just 23 games. The 26-year-old forward also missed six weeks with a wrist injury, further adding to how forgettable his time was with the Blackhawks.
Beauvillier was originally acquired from the Vancouver Canucks on Nov. 28 amidst the onslaught of injuries that hit the Chicago roster around Thanksgiving. Interestingly, the Blackhawks gave up a conditional 2024 fifth-round pick in the original trade, so they’ve essentially just recouped their pick. A look at his brief tenure with the Blackhawks:
Also on Thursday, the Blackhawks placed Boris Katchouk on waivers for the second time this season (the last time being back on Dec. 11. If he clears and is assigned to Rockford, Katchouk may not play with them immediately — it could just be a paper transaction to make him eligible for the AHL playoffs.