Since Connor Bedard was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks have done what they can to accommodate the young superstar by surrounding him with the best available talent.
Heading into this season, they added 2010 first-overall pick and 2018 Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall to help mentor Bedard.
They also added Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen to patch some offensive holes.
But it hasn’t amounted to anything as the Blackhawks are in dead-last place in the NHL with 31 points through 45 games.
Hall is rumored to be on the trade block as the Blackhawks look to start rebuilding the right way as opposed to a make-shift roster mold that’s fallen flat.
More NHL: Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin Receives Massive News on Stanley Cup Rings Burglary
Chicago has two first-round picks this year and one in 2026, which are best off being used, but if general manager Kyle Davidson were to ship one out, who would be worth the price that would fit into the long-term plans?
The trade target that should be considered is Vancouver Canuck Elias Pettersson, who general manager Patrik Allvin is reportedly taking calls for.
Pettersson’s game has been through troubles this season as media pressure and ongoing narratives — whether true or not — about his relationship with fellow center J.T. Miller have taken their toll on him.
Pettersson is under contract through the 2031-32 season with an $11.6 million cap hit, which, as The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus notes, could become a bargain as the salary cap continues to rise.
He’s established himself with attributes that combine elite playmaking with exceptional finishing ability.
Over the past three seasons, he’s tallied 32, 39, and 34 goals, including a 102-point campaign in 2022-23 and 89 points last season. His vision and creativity would complement Bedard’s skill set perfectly, turning no-look passes into scoring opportunities and setting up Bedard’s lethal shot from anywhere in the offensive zone.
More NHL: Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin Receives Massive News on Stanley Cup Rings Burglary
While both Pettersson and Miller are on the trade block, Pettersson’s no-trade clause doesn’t kick in until July 1 while the latter would have to waive his.
The Athletic proposes to trade up-and-coming forward Frank Nazar and defenseman Kevin Korchinski along with the first-rounder that Toronto gave the Blackhawks for Pettersson.
Newsweek thinks that could be a tough swallow for the Canucks and it would likely cost more for them to part ways with the Swedish sensation, despite his regression.
Throw in a second-rounder in next year’s draft or perhaps another A-level prospect and maybe there’s traction.
Trading for Elias Pettersson wouldn’t immediately make the Blackhawks a Stanley Cup contender, but it would help shape the future of the franchise more cohesively.
One star isn’t enough to succeed in the NHL, and while future stars may emerge from their prospect pool or upcoming drafts, it will take years of losing and frustration to find out. If Davidson really wants to keep his young superstar happy, he needs to make moves on another young, established player to complement Bedard.
Adding Pettersson would accelerate the process, giving Bedard the support he needs and keeping fans of a big-market franchise engaged.
Pettersson has 10 goals and 29 points through 38 games this season. He’s tallied only three points in his last 11, which is a growing concern as things are taking a turn for the worse in Vancouver’s campaign.
More NHL:
Canucks’ Rick Tocchet Seemingly Takes Shot at JT Miller Amid Trade Rumors
Leafs Predicted to Sign Big Name Center Before Trade Deadline
For more on the NHL, head to Newsweek Sports.
The post Blackhawks Should Target $92.8 Million Struggling Center appeared first on Newsweek.
