At the halfway point of the season, time to break down the season so far from top-line stars to budding prospects in Rockford and beyond.

Watch the Game Highlights from Chicago Blackhawks vs. Colorado Avalanche, 01/08/2025

There are few teams riding as high as the Colorado Avalanche of late. With points in eight straight games, including an impressive win over the Florida Panthers, the Avalanche have challenges ahead but looked to have an easy road win coming in the form of the Chicago Blackhawks.

The NHL trade deadline is two months away but the Blackhawks will be sellers, likely dealing Taylor Hall due to their poor season.

With the Chicago Blackhawks dead last in the standings, general manager Kyle Davidson will likely spend more time over the next months evaluating draft prospects and taking calls leading up to the March 7 deadline. Davidson likely won’t have his busiest deadline since he took over, but his team has a few candidates to be traded.

The Montreal Canadiens could be buyers and sellers by the NHL trade deadline, while the Ottawa Senators are a topic of trade speculation during goalie Linus Ullmark's injury.