From the deadline to the draft to free agency to a training camp battle for the Chicago Blackhawks
Scott Powers of The Athletic: (mailbag) If the Chicago Blackhawks trade forward Ilya Mikhayev at the trade deadline, it’s unlikely that they re-sign him in the offseason. They’ll likely either trade him at the deadline or extend him.
Scott Powers of The Athletic: (mailbag) The Chicago Blackhawks aren’t rushing goaltender Drew Commesso, so they can put off any Arvid Soderblom decisions. Spencer Knight is the No. 1. Next training camp, Commesso and Soderblom will battle for the backup.
The Blackhawks next season will likely have the same path as this season, implementing more top prospects – likely Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov. Nick Lardis could also be ready to make the full jump next year. Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, Alex Vlasic, Wyatt Kaiser and Louis Crevier will likely be their top-five and they’ll see if Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro are ready.
NHL Rumors: What Could the Ottawa Senators Use Heading Into the Trade Deadline?
Don’t see any major free agent signings or trades this offseason. They could decide to bring pending UFA defenseman Matt Grzelcyk back next season. The following year, they could look to move veterans Teuvo Teräväinen and Andre Burakovsky.
Forward Tyler Bertuzzi has two years left on his deal, and don’t think there would be much interest. They also need to keep in mind that they need to get to the salary floor, so they may not want to move him.
With their first-round pick, they’ll likely go with best player available. There are a lot of defenseman projected in the top 10, but thinks that they should target a forward. They could look to at the second and third rounds to add some defensive depth.
Although trying to acquire someone like Alex Tuch or Quinton Byfield, don’t get the season the Blackhawks are looking outside the organization for players like that.
NHL Rumors: Would the Philadelphia Flyers trade Owen Tippett?
Don’t think the Blackhawks are sold on Gavin McKenna as the top pick in the draft, but if they’re drafting further down and he’s still available, they’d have to consider it.
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