Blackhawks Open to “Pursuing Players”, Including a Bold Offer Sheet

In a recent mailbag column for The Athletic, Scott Powers reveals that the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t closing the door on any and all options this offseason. Ready to make moves to improve the team this summer, he notes, “People within the organization have told me that anything is possible this offseason.”

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Powers adds, “The Blackhawks are open to pursuing players in trades, free agency, or even using an offer sheet. I just don’t know what’s actually realistic.”

Free agency is the easiest, assuming players want to come to Chicago. The team is improving and has a star in Connor Bedard, but the organization remains on the outside of the playoff picture. One of the bigger names is Buffalo Sabres’ forward Alex Tuch. “The Blackhawks likely call about him, just as nearly every other team will do,” Powers writes. However, they’ll ask the same question other teams will ask: would the Blackhawks be willing to give seven years and $10-plus million for a 30-year-old?

Trades are going to be available, but Powers notes, “I assume most teams willing to trade a significant player are looking for a hockey trade and want to get a significant player back. Too many teams still think they’re Stanley Cup contenders. I also don’t think there are too many players the Blackhawks would be willing to package picks and players for.”

Powers links the Blackhawks to St. Louis Blues’ forward Robert Thomas, but notes, “I don’t know if he’s really available.” The other option might be a player like Ryan Hartman, who has one year left on his contract with the Minnesota Wild. If the Wild are trying to free up money to take a run at a top-line center or sign Quinn Hughes, Hartman could shake loose.

What About An Offer Sheet?

Offer sheets aren’t used all that often, but they do get used every now and again. The Blues were able to snag both Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway via offer sheets from the Edmonton Oilers. Chicago could go that route.

Powers notes, “As for the offer sheet, the Vegas Golden Knights’ Pavel Dorofeyev could be a target.”

He may not become available if the Golden Knights can figure out the money. If not, he might be looking for around $10 million, too, which would mean two first-round picks, a second-round pick and a third-round pick for compensation.

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