3 Blockbuster Trades That Could Transform the Chicago Blackhawks This Summer
The Chicago Blackhawks are at a pivotal point this offseason. While they have a solid foundation in place to make progress in the Central Division, they lack the star power required to become a serious playoff contender.
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As such, the Blackhawks could look to shake things up with one or two blockbuster trades, potentially turning them into a perennial playoff team for years to come. Here are three trade scenarios that could reshape the franchise this summer:
1. Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are heading towards a rebuild after trading many of their veterans at the deadline, leaving only a few reliable players. They will likely focus on accumulating draft picks and rebuilding their prospect pool to avoid a long-term rebuild like those of Detroit and Buffalo.
This could present an opportunity for the Blackhawks to acquire key pieces. Elias Lindholm, a solid second-line center, could provide support behind Connor Bedard. While Lindholm had a down year with Boston, much of that can be attributed to the team’s overall struggles. With a contract worth $7.75 million through 2031, the Bruins may be willing to retain some salary to make a trade work.
Meanwhile, Nikita Zadorov, a physical defenseman, could add much-needed toughness to the Blackhawks’ blue line. With teams like the Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche poised to dominate the Central Division for the next several years, Zadorov would bring the kind of grit the Blackhawks will need.
2. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the brink of a major roster shakeup. Another early playoff exit could lead to significant changes in the team’s structure, potentially benefiting a team like the Blackhawks.
Mitch Marner, who is an impending free agent, could be traded for a draft pick or a mid-tier prospect, particularly if Toronto doesn’t re-sign him. The Leafs may also look to move bottom-six forwards like David Kampf, Max Domi, or Calle Jarnkrok, or even make a bigger move by trading a top defenseman like Morgan Rielly.
Given Toronto’s need for a roster overhaul, the Blackhawks could swoop in to acquire solid players at lower-than-market value, making it worth their while to reach out to the Leafs and see who’s available.
3. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are in denial about their need for a rebuild, with veteran stars like Evgeni Malkin announcing his farewell tour and Sidney Crosby nearing the end of his career. Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson could also be moved as the Penguins transition to a new core.
Erik Karlsson is particularly intriguing for the Blackhawks. The defenseman, who has two years left on his contract at $10 million per season, might be open to waiving his no-trade clause to join a team like the Blackhawks, who are on the rise. With some salary retention from the Penguins, Karlsson could be a strong addition to the Blackhawks’ blue line, potentially replacing Seth Jones as the team’s top defender for the short term.
Additionally, forwards like Rickard Rakell or Bryan Rust might also become available depending on Pittsburgh’s future plans. These veterans could provide much-needed secondary scoring to help the Blackhawks as they integrate younger players into the lineup.
If Chicago can capitalize on these potential trade opportunities, they could significantly accelerate their path to becoming a playoff contender in the near future.
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