Could Kyle Davidson’s Chicago Blackhawks Acquire Another First-Round Pick?
As the NHL offseason heats up, all eyes are on the Chicago Blackhawks and their strategic moves. Among the many speculations, one intriguing possibility is whether General Manager Kyle Davidson can acquire another first-round pick. On the CHGO Blackhawks Podcast, Jay Zawaski, Greg Boysen, and Mario Tirabassi delve into this topic as they count down to the NHL Draft.
Assessing the Potential for Additional Picks
The conversation around the Blackhawks acquiring another first-round pick involves examining which teams might be willing to trade their picks and what it would take for Davidson to secure one. As the Blackhawks continue their rebuild, accumulating draft assets is a critical strategy. The podcast discussion highlights the dynamics of these potential trades, considering both the needs of other teams and the assets the Blackhawks have to offer.
Free Agency and Cap Space Utilization
As the 2023-24 postseason concludes, attention shifts to the upcoming free agency period starting on July 1. The Chicago Blackhawks, having struggled in recent seasons, are in a strong position with potentially over $30 million in cap space. This financial flexibility could be pivotal in their rebuild. While many talented forwards will enter the market, including notable names like Sam Reinhart, Jake Guentzel, and Jonathan Marchessault, Elias Lindholm stands out as a potential target for the Blackhawks.
Elias Lindholm: A Viable Acquisition?
Elias Lindholm, a Swedish forward turning 30 next season, is a significant name in free agency. Although he is likely seeking a long-term deal with an average annual value (AAV) of over $7 million, there might be a path for him to sign a lucrative short-term deal with the Blackhawks. This move could bolster their top-six forward group and provide much-needed offensive talent.
Insider Elliotte Friedman noted that while the Vancouver Canucks were considering a seven-year deal at $7 million AAV for Lindholm, it seems unlikely to materialize. This scenario opens the door for the Blackhawks to make a competitive offer. Despite his recent dip in performance, Lindholm’s past productivity makes him an attractive option.
Analyzing Lindholm’s Performance
Lindholm’s career has had its ups and downs. Drafted fifth overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, he had several productive seasons with the Calgary Flames. However, his most recent season was less impressive, marking his lowest offensive output in six years. This downturn occurred despite his history of significant contributions, such as the 42 goals he scored in the 2021-22 season and his 42 assists in 2022-23.
Lindholm’s decline became evident when the Flames, realizing they were unlikely to make the playoffs and unable to re-sign him, traded him to the Vancouver Canucks. In exchange, the Flames received forward Andrei Kuzmenko, prospects Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo, along with a first-round and conditional fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Following the trade, Lindholm’s performance further declined. His scoring pace dropped, and he finished the season with a mere 37-point pace after starting with a 53-point pace. Canucks’ head coach Rick Tocchet even reduced his playing time, averaging less than 15 minutes per game over a six-game span in early March.
Strategic Considerations for the Blackhawks
For the Blackhawks, signing Lindholm to a short-term deal could be a calculated risk. Given his recent struggles, he might not command the long-term, high-value contract he seeks, making a shorter, high-value deal with Chicago more plausible. This arrangement could benefit both parties: the Blackhawks would gain a skilled forward to aid their rebuild, and Lindholm would have the opportunity to prove his worth for future contracts.
Looking Ahead
As the offseason progresses, the Blackhawks’ front office, led by Kyle Davidson, will weigh their options carefully. Acquiring another first-round pick and signing key free agents like Elias Lindholm are potential moves that could significantly impact the team’s trajectory. Fans and analysts will be keenly watching these developments, hopeful that the right decisions will help the Blackhawks emerge from their recent struggles and build a competitive team for the future.
