The Chicago Blackhawks looked like they would meet the challenge of a top-tier Edmonton Oilers team. But that notion faded quickly in the second period of a 4-3 loss.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato is a player the organization is open to moving ahead of this season’s NHL trade deadline. And if they do, the Edmonton Oilers should make a phone call.

The Edmonton ... give the Oilers an upgrade, as well as giving the team another bonafide penalty killer. If the team misses on Savard, Borgen is an excellent back-up option. A fail safe option and another defender with champion experience is Alec Martinez ...

Martinez (neck) will be activated off injured reserve and play Saturday against Edmonton, according to Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio. Martinez hasn't been in the lineup since Dec. 7. He has a goal and four points in 15 outings in 2024-25. Nolan Allan might be a healthy scratch versus the Oilers to accommodate Martinez's return.

Martinez logged an assist and three hits in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Oilers.

CHICAGO -- Zach Hyman scored the go-ahead goal on the power play at 7:18 of the third period, and the Edmonton Oilers rallied for a 4-3 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on Saturday. Hyman put in the rebound of Leon Draisaitl ’s shot to break a 3-3 tie.

Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) scores the tiebreaking goal on Blackhawks goaltender Arvid Söderblom (40) in the third period on Jan. 11, 2025, at the United Center. The Hawks lost 4-3. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Photos from the Chicago Blackhawks’ 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 11, 2025, at the United Center.

While the two newest Oilers defenders should take little time to get going, fans shouldn't expect a change overnight. Before they took on the Washington Capitals last night, Tom Gazzola reported that John Klingberg and Alec Regula were practicing on the ice with assistant coach Mark Stuart.

The Edmonton Oilers will wrap up this three-game road trip on Saturday evening when they face the rebuilding Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago.

Martinez has missed more than a month recovering from the injury he suffered Dec. 7, which led to concerns about blood clots and vascular problems. He and his wife also went through a complicated childbirth,

The Chicago Blackhawks have placed Connor Murphy on the injured reserve, retroactive to Dec. 31 as he's still dealing with a groin injury.

Former Wolverine Adam Fantilli scored three goals for his first career hat trick in the Blue Jackets' 5-1 win over the Maple Leafs.