The Chicago Blackhawks seem to have the foundation for a good hockey team in place. Unfortunately, something is missing. A certain ingredient is needed to lift the team out of the mud. They hope the coaching aspect has been addressed. Jeff Blashill brings experience and plenty of respect around the league, having held the Red Wings together after their dynasty peak far longer than most expect. However, it still feels like the Blackhawks need another star to finally open the floodgates. If you're going to pursue one, you might as well aim for the best. Enter Connor McDavid.
Following another gutwrenching Stanley Cup Finals loss to the Florida Panthers, the seven-time All-Star sits at a career crossroads. He only has one year left on his contract, leaving some to wonder if he might look for an exit from the Edmonton Oilers. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic still feels the odds favor a deal getting done between the two sides. However, it is possible McDavid wants out if things don't materialize how he wants. If that happens, he sees only a few teams as realistic landing spots.
Of course, there’s always the small chance McDavid doesn’t think the Oilers are set up to remain a contender and doesn’t extend. I don’t think that’s the likeliest outcome, but it’s not 100 percent off the table.
Teams like the Los Angeles Kings, with former Oilers GM Ken Holland, are keeping a close eye. If and when McDavid ever leaves, it’s a short list of markets that I believe would be a fit for him: L.A., the New York Rangers, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Dallas Stars, etc. It would not be a free-for-all, with 25 teams getting a chance at it.
The Blackhawks have every reason to gear up for a Connor McDavid quest.
He is the best player in hockey. If there is even a remote chance you can get him, you do it. Nobody thought the Los Angeles Kings had a prayer of landing Wayne Gretzky in 1986. However, circumstances broke in their favor. Chicago has the kind of setup Connor McDavid would like. They're a young team with a budding star in Connor Bedard. Their roster and farm system are loaded with developing talent. The city is also hockey-crazed in one of North America's largest media markets. More importantly, the Blackhawks have a recent history of winning. They claimed three Stanley Cups from 2010 to 2015 before entering their rebuild. McDavid would be the last piece to a puzzle they've been assembling for years.
Money won't be an issue. They can afford any contract he wants and have four 1st round picks in the next two drafts, meaning the farm system will get even stronger. If you want to woo a star player, that is how you do it. All the Blackhawks need is for Edmonton to somehow mess it up.
