Report: Blackhawks not convinced Kane and Toews will waive NMCs

The Chicago Blackhawks are open to trading Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews before the March 3 trade deadline, but the organization isn't convinced the pair of veterans will want to waive their no-movement clauses, reports The Athletic's Scott Powers.

Kane and Toews are in the final year of matching eight-year, $84-million contracts signed in 2014. Speculation on the future of the two franchise icons has been rampant since this past offseason as the Blackhawks began selling off pieces to kickstart a rebuild.

A deal for either player can't be facilitated unless Kane or Toews gives Chicago's front office permission to waive their NMCs.

Kane, drafted first overall by the Blackhawks in 2007, would likely fetch a bigger return than Toews at this point. The dynamic winger has 20 points in 24 games this season and is one of the most prolific playoff producers of his generation with 132 points in 136 career postseason contests.

Toews, named Chicago's captain in 2008, has battled injury and illness in recent seasons but hasn't missed a game in 2022-23 and has put up eight goals and six assists. He's not as productive as he was in his prime, but several teams could still find him attractive as a depth option.

Kane and Toews led the Blackhawks to Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Kane's also won a Conn Smythe, Hart Trophy, Art Ross, and Calder Trophy during his 16 years in Chicago. Toews has a playoff MVP of his own, a Selke Trophy, and two Olympic gold medals.

Chicago, currently last in the Central Division with a 7-13-4 record, is expected to be one of the league's biggest sellers at the deadline. Forwards Max Domi, Andreas Athanasiou, and Jujhar Khaira are pending unrestricted free agents that could generate interest along with Kane and Toews.