There might be fewer sellers around the NHL this season than usual, but the Hawks are certainly one. That scarcity of available players could drive up prices.

CHICAGO — Ryan Donato doesn’t think. Ryan Donato just does. If the puck hits his stick and there’s a shooting lane in front of him, you can be darn sure he’s shooting it. Like, now.

Chicago Blackhawks fourth-liner Ryan Donato issued a very clear statement to Connor Bedard, Anders Sorensen, Kyle Davidson, and everybody on the team about his mindset heading into the trade deadline.

Primarily, we’re talking about center Ryan Donato, defenseman Alec Martinez, center Craig Smith and enforcer Pat Maroon. Martinez’ $4-million salary will be the hardest to move, but given his ...