JUST IN: Chicago Blackhawks trade 4 star players just now at the trade deadline, after confirming a huge star departure. A controversy statement was stated, Sometimes it is better to have a reputation of treating players well because that can go a long way in recruiting free agents rather than try to get a late-round draft pick.

When it comes to trade assets the Chicago Blackhawks can offer contenders, the options are limited.

That said, the Blackhawks do have some pieces they could move at the deadline, though they may not yield significant draft capital in return.

Veterans like Pat Maroon, Alec Martinez, and Craig Smith are on expiring contracts, but the team seems intent on honoring their wishes and will only trade them if they request a move. Sometimes, maintaining a strong reputation for treating players well is more valuable in attracting future free agents than acquiring a late-round pick.

That leaves the Blackhawks with four primary trade assets:

Ryan Donato

Donato is in the midst of a career season with 19 goals and 18 assists, just in time for free agency this summer. With the salary cap set to rise, his timing couldn’t be better.

Chicago could consider extending him, but the front office may prefer to open up ice time for prospects like Oliver Moore and Ryan Greene once they sign their entry-level deals after their NCAA seasons conclude.

At 28, Donato is more likely having a breakout year rather than emerging as a long-term star. The challenge in moving him will be determining his trade value. According to The Athletic’s Scott Powers, Donato could potentially return a third-round pick, depending on which contender pursues him.

Seth Jones

Any deal involving Jones would require Chicago to retain part of his salary, and he would also need to approve the trade. Given his apparent frustration with playing for a rebuilding team, he might be open to a move.

The Athletic ranks Jones as the seventh-best player available on the trade market. He still holds value as a big-minute defenseman, particularly as a second-pairing option for a contender. However, the Blackhawks may hesitate to retain his salary for the remainder of the decade.

Connor Murphy

Murphy’s name seems to surface at every trade deadline as a potential trade chip. The Athletic ranks him as the 17th-best player available due to his ability to be a physical, shutdown defenseman for a contender.

However, his $4 million AAV and frequent injury issues could limit his trade appeal.

One Retention Spot Left

Chicago recently reacquired a third-round pick from Carolina by taking on part of Mikko Rantanen’s salary in a three-team trade that also involved moving Taylor Hall. While some felt the Blackhawks got the short end of the deal, they ultimately recovered their third-rounder, which will fall within the top 70 picks, and freed up ice time for younger players.

With one more salary retention slot available, the Blackhawks could leverage it to gain an additional asset if a cap-strapped contender needs financial flexibility to complete a trade.