The Chicago Blackhawks made a big decision this offseason. Reports indicate they were frustrated with how ineffective their veteran additions last season were. GM Kyle Davidson made a serious effort to bolster the roster with legitimate experience. The results were almost the same number of wins as the previous year. Rather than double down this offseason with another free agency rush or a bold trade, the Blackhawks opted to take the opposite approach. They're leaving the roster wide open to the young guys. Anybody who stands out in training camp from their farm system will get priority. It makes sense. However, that might not be the entire truth. Gavin McKenna is the unspoken part.
Many see the kid from Whitehorse, Yukon, as the next Connor McDavid. He is a wizard with the puck, showcasing elite shooting, passing, and skating skills that have scouts drooling. His latest season in the WHL saw him deliver 41 goals and 88 assists in just 56 games. McKenna is the definition of a franchise-changer. Going young makes sense for the Blackhawks because it allows their draft picks to gain vital experience, but it also ensures they'll have at least one more down season. Perhaps enough to ensure a top-five lottery pick. Landing McKenna would be the icing on the cake.
It doesn't hurt that he has ties to Connor Bedard and models his game after a Chicago icon.
Gavin McKenna would set the Blackhawks up for a decade.
Try to imagine a top line with him and Bedard. The sheer offensive potential would be staggering. We're talking Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita levels of ability. If you think that's an exaggeration, keep in mind Gavin McKenna just received a scholarship from Penn State for $700,000 a year on an NIL deal. That blows every other number a college hockey player has received out of the water. Everybody can see what this kid is becoming. Smart teams who aren't obvious Cup contenders should be positioning themselves to at least try getting him. Chicago can pass off their youth movement as intended to let the kids grow. All the while, it virtually guarantees one more year of losing. Low odds or not, even getting a shot at McKenna is worth it.
