There’s a good chance Leon Draisaitl ends up in a new home in 2024-25, and the Blackhawks have the assets to make a trade.

Before I explain why it would be risky and unwise for the Blackhawks to acquire Leon Draisaitl, I want to first discuss the potential advantages. One major benefit would be that the team, situated in one of the largest markets in the NHL, could attract one of the most prominent names possibly available during the offseason, garnering significant attention across the league.

Additionally, Draisaitl could partner with star forward Connor Bedard and lead a young team striving to regain relevance. His presence would swiftly improve the team, although it may not immediately transform them into playoff contenders in the 2024-25 season. However, Chicago would likely win more games and position themselves within the vicinity of wildcard contention if Draisaitl joined the team. While they may not be strong contenders for the playoffs, they wouldn’t be ruled out by the All-Star Break either. Nevertheless, obtaining Draisaitl would be ill-advised in 2024-25, and general manager Kyle Davidson should resist trading for him.

This discussion stems from Joe Yerdon of Bleacher Report identifying the Blackhawks as a potential destination for Draisaitl, and Jenna Stumbaugh, also of Bleacher Report, outlining the risks of Draisaitl finishing the final year of his contract in Edmonton, which could lead to a trade to another team.

On the surface, acquiring Draisaitl may seem like a significant victory for the Blackhawks, given his status as one of the league’s top scorers. However, the team is currently in a substantial rebuilding phase, and Kyle Davidson must responsibly continue building around Connor Bedard, which seems to be the initial plan. Furthermore, while Draisaitl could propel the team back into relevance for the 2024-25 season and potentially secure a playoff spot in 2025-26, the Blackhawks should consider the long-term implications. They recently acquired a future star with the No. 2 pick and have a promising combination forming between Bedard and Philipp Kurashev.

The team also boasts an impressive prospect pool with more potential for long-term success compared to what Draisaitl could bring, especially considering he will be almost 29 by the start of the 2024-25 season. While not old, he would provide elite play for five, maybe six years at most, alongside a substantial contract to keep him in Chicago. Though sticking to the current plan involves a longer-term outlook, it could establish the Blackhawks for success over the next decade as opposed to just the next five or six years. While Draisaitl’s presence could accelerate progress, it could also complicate the team’s financial long-term plans, potentially jeopardizing a decade-long window for success.