It’s no secret that Kyle Davidson is reportedly working the phones. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported last week that Davidson is searching for middle- and top-six forward help. Now, The Fourth Period’s Summer Trade Watch has linked the Chicago Blackhawks to a slew of trade candidates.
Per the report, the Blackhawks’ names of interest are forwards Mitch Marner, Martin Necas, Trevor Zegras, and Oliver Wahlstrom, and defenseman Jakob Chychrun. All five players would be upgrades for Chicago and are intriguing options to consider with the NHL’s offseason rumblings growing louder.
The Blackhawks surely feel like they can deal from strength. With their additional first-round pick, the Blackhawks could move that selection in a deal for any of the above players. Although names like Wahlstrom wouldn’t require that much capital, some of the other players likely would.
Let’s examine the potential fit for each of these names.
I firmly believe the Blackhawks have at least called Toronto and checked in on Mitch Marner. However, he’s not the type of player that would thrive in Luke Richardson’s system. Richardson asks his players to play hard every shift and not be afraid to go to the dirty areas. For Marner, the perimeter is his best friend, which might not fit with Chicago’s system.
Sure, Marner is a phenomenal player. But Vegas, Nashville, or Dallas (other teams linked) are likely better landing spots than Chicago. In the end, the Blackhawks should stay clear of Marner.
Martin Necas
Martin Necas has already been linked to the Blackhawks in recent reports, lending to this being a logical fit. Although the Hurricanes’ asking price appears to be high for a player they consider a budding star, he’d fit in perfectly with the trajectory of the Blackhawks.
Necas is set for a $3.5 million qualifying offer this offseason but could easily take a short-term bridge deal if the Blackhawks acquire his rights. Per The Fourth Period, numerous teams are interested in Necas, who’s seeking a larger role in a new place. What better place than Chicago where he could potentially step in and play on the team’s top line with Connor Bedard?
Although Marner might be the better player given his track record, Necas’ fit seems more ideal for the Hawks.
Trevor Zegras
Trevor Zegras has endured a weird career so far with the Anaheim Ducks. After posting 13 points in just 24 games during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, the 23-year-old posted back-to-back 60+ point campaigns. However, injuries derailed his 2023-24 season and the youngster only posted 15 points in 31 games.
Zegras has a flair for the dramatics. After going ninth overall in the same draft (2019) where the Blackhawks took Kirby Dach with the third overall selection, Zegras has had notable success in the NHL. However, a change of scenery appears to be something that could benefit the skillful forward.
Pairing him with Connor Bedard is certainly intriguing but would likely cost quite a bit from the Blackhawks’ side. Is acquiring the disgruntled Duck worth it for Kyle Davidson? It all depends on the price, but the fit could be nice in Chicago.
Oliver Wahlstrom
Oliver Wahlstrom is a former high draft pick. Selected 11th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, Wahlstrom has failed to produce notable success in the NHL. He’s played 193 NHL games but has failed to post more than 24 points in any given campaign. His career-high was set back in 2021-22. Perhaps a new city is exactly what Wahlstrom needs.
The Portland, Maine native has also had a limited role in New York. With less than 13 minutes of ice time in every season so far, Wahlstrom is in need of a new opportunity. The Blackhawks could provide Wahlstrom with more opportunities, which could be a nice fit. The Fourth Period believes Wahlstrom could be a sweetener to take on a big contract. The Blackhawks are certainly a team that can do that for the Islanders, who need to clear cap space and improve their roster.
Jakob Chychrun
Jakob Chychrun is still young enough to fit into the Blackhawks’ long-term plans. However, the left-handed defenseman has only one year remaining on his deal and is the type of player Chicago has a lot of already. But the Senators are looking for a right-handed defenseman, so perhaps a trade involving Connor Murphy could be considered. It’s unlikely, but it makes one wonder.
Chychrun is still a great player. At only 26 years of age, he’d improve a Blackhawks’ defensive unit that had a rough 2023-24 season. Again, the package would cost a lot, and Chychrun is seemingly the least likely player of this bunch that Davidson would target in a potential trade.
What’s On Tap Next?
Kyle Davidson will surely continue his busy summer as he looks for ways to improve the Blackhawks roster. The trade route is a possible avenue for improving the club. Dishing out huge contracts in free agency is unlikely, so acquiring young players and subsequently signing them could be more attractive to Davidson and Chicago’s front office.
We won’t know if these rumblings are just smoke or contain substance just yet, but with the NHL Draft quickly approaching, the burning questions should have answers sooner rather than later as the offseason heats up.
