Connor Bedard (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Chicago Blackhawks may be in rebuilding mode, but there’s a golden opportunity here for GM Kyle Davidson to speed it up by acquiring a superstar sniper and linemate for franchise player Connor Bedard.
The first overall pick of 2023 had a dazzling rookie year for the Chicago Blackhawks, tallying 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games. But the Hawks finished as the NHL’s second-worst team in 2023-24 with 52 points, only ahead of the San Jose Sharks (47 points).
Bedard and Jason Dickinson were the only Chicago players to hit the 20-goal mark. But only Bedard and Philipp Kurashev exceeded 40 points, and veteran forward Nick Foligno was third in team scoring with only 37 points.
Davidson could immediately bolster his team’s offense by making a move for Columbus Blue Jackets star winger Patrik Laine, who requested a trade earlier this offseason. And the Hawks have the necessary assets to make a move for the No. 2 pick of the 2016 NHL Draft.
Speaking on TSN 690 Montreal last month, The Athletic’s Blue Jackets beat writer Aaron Portzline said he believes Columbus would prefer draft selections and prospects in return for Patrik Laine as opposed to current roster players.
Laine has exceeded the 25-goal and 50-point marks five times. His trio of 30-goal seasons came with the Winnipeg Jets, but Laine also hasn’t had the best supporting cast in Columbus.
The Chicago Blackhawks have a promising future led by the 19-year-old Bedard, but adding an in-his-prime sniper like Laine would go a long way in helping Chicago re-emerge as a playoff contender.
What Chicago Blackhawks Should Offer For Patrik Laine
Chicago’s offer should start with a conditional 2025 first-round pick that’s top-5 protected. Otherwise, that pick can shift over to 2026. On top of that, Chicago should offer defenseman prospect Sam Rinzel (the No. 25 pick of 2022), promising goalie prospect Drew Commesso and a 2025 second-round pick.
It’s a steep price, but the Hawks already have a deep prospect pool and enough promising young talents. A healthy Laine is good for 30-plus goals and 60-plus points a season, but he could kick his game into another gear with Bedard feeding him the puck.
