Connect with us

Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Expected to Target Elite Linemate for Connor Bedard

The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to make a big push this summer to acquire an elite linemate for Connor Bedard. Who are they targeting?

According to Scott Powers of The Athletic, this coming summer could be the offseason that the Chicago Blackhawks make a major move to secure an elite linemate for rising star Connor Bedard. While also noting that the team may secure a top-three draft pick and elevate more prospects, the report suggests that general manager Kyle Davidson may make a significant splash in free agency. Among his potential targets are Mitch Marner or Mikko Rantanen, should they become available.



The need for an elite linemate is obvious, and it has been for the past two seasons, notes Powers. While Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi were supposed to be that for Bedard, the chemistry isn’t there. It has become apparent that the Blackhawks need to find a more reliable partner for Bedard, who has become frustrated at times this season. If the Blackhawks don’t maximize his talents, they’ll be wasting some of his best years.

Powers used the San Jose Sharks as an example of what the Blackhawks are looking for. He writes:

When you look at the success Macklin Celebrini is having as a rookie with the San Jose Sharks, you can’t help but notice the role Tyler Toffoli is playing in that. With Celebrini and Toffoli on the ice together, the Sharks are outscoring teams 7-5 in five-on-five play this season. As a team, the Sharks are being outscored 96-69. In all situations, Celebrini has scored eight of his 12 goals and recorded 16 of his 27 points while on the ice with Toffoli. Bedard could use someone like that.

What are the Chances the Blackhawks Find Someone Who Clicks with Bedard?

Adding a proven scorer or playmaker would boost Bedard’s production and there are plenty of players who would love an opportunity to skate with him every game. The question will be how big the crop of players is for the Blackhawks to choose from.

It’s easy to list Marner and Rantanen as targets, but there is no guarantee either will make it to free agency. With a jumping salary cap both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche will do everything in their power to hang onto both players. If they sign, the list of impact players who the Blackhawks can spend big on dwindles.

Could Boeser be a target for the Chicago Blackhawks?
Could Boeser be a target for the Chicago Blackhawks?

Nikolaj Ehlers might be available out of Winnipeg. Brock Boeser is having trouble working out an extension with the Vancouver Canucks. Beyond that, the big point-producing wingers are over 32 years old, which doesn’t exactly fit the Blackhawks timeline.

Perhaps the Blackhawks are not a team to watch on the ice this season. But, as the summer approaches, they’ll be a club to keep tabs on as they try to make a significant improvement and attempt to be more competitive.

Next: Ex-Canuck Warned Miller About Pettersson Personality Clash Issue

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

More News

PuckPedia NHL Trade Talk

Discover more from NHL Trade Talk

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading