The Chicago Blackhawks have endured the typical existence of a rebuilding team. Even as they continue stacking young talent, the wins haven't come. The organization hasn't had more than 28 victories in a season for five years. Last season was once again bad enough to land them the 3rd pick in the draft. Many are wondering when the Blackhawks will turn the corner. They have a young star in Connor Bedard. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to pair him with anybody of note. Until that changes, it feels like this team will keep spinning its wheels.
GM Kyle Davidson has done a good job accumulating assets. They have four 1st round picks between this year and 2026. He could easily just use them on top prospects, continuing to flood their farm system with talent. Yet some wonder if it's past time the Blackhawks made a bold move. Some believe the team is making the #3 pick available, hoping to secure an established star to pair with Bedard. While it is possible, Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report believes they could be thinking even bigger.
They are a team to watch for Connor McDavid.
In their current state, you probably couldn't convince McDavid to sign with the Blackhawks for all of the money in the world. Winning is the name of the game, and Chicago hasn't been close to winning in a decade.
But what if the Blackhawks can take a big step forward this season? What if they can get closer with Connor Bedard becoming the superstar everybody expects him to be? Could it become an option?
The Blackhawks are an Original Six franchise with a championship background, they're in a major market, and they have almost zero long-term contracts or investments on the books. They would have money to throw at not only McDavid, but potentially other players that could help round out the roster.
The Chicago Blackhawks landing Connor McDavid would be seismic.
He is the best player in hockey. Nobody can dispute that. He has eclipsed 100 points in eight of the past nine seasons, made seven All-Star teams, and is a three-time MVP. Sadly, that incredible success hasn't brought the Edmonton Oilers a championship. They reached the Stanley Cup Finals in back-to-back seasons, only to lose to the Florida Panthers both times. Many in Edmonton fear their window has closed. McDavid has one year left on his contract. Unless they do something to show they're working to stay in contention, he may choose to leave in free agency.
That leaves the Oilers three options: hope he re-signs, trade him, or let him walk.
The last one is unfathomable, meaning they will have to trade him if they feel he isn't interested in signing a new deal. When discussing teams with assets, the Chicago Blackhawks make tons of sense. They have lots of 1st round picks to throw around and the best farm system in the NHL. If anybody can assemble the massive package necessary to get McDavid, it's them. Whether he is willing to come here is the question.
