With Kyle Davidson’s desire to improve the Chicago Blackhawks roster this summer, these are names the team should consider in a possible trade.
The offseason has finally arrived and the time is now for Kyle Davidson to fully push the Chicago Blackhawks closer to a competitive level. There have already been reports about the Blackhawks really trying to add talent that can help them now. Whether that is trading the No. 4 overall pick, or moving other pieces within the organization, acquiring NHL-ready, help-now talent is key.
With a rising salary cap, teams looking to offload contracts are fewer and further between. Historically, teams like the Blackhawks could take advantage of contract situations to improve the club. Now, teams are able to afford all of their key players, meaning something of real value is needed to execute a notable deal.
With knowledge that Kyle Davidson wants to get aggressive this summer, here are five names he should make calls on to improve their forward group.
Gabriel Vilardi – Winnipeg Jets
Mar 28, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Gabriel Vilardi (13) celebrates scoring in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Gabriel Vilardi was acquired by the Winnipeg Jets in the trade that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Los Angeles Kings. At the time, Vilardi was an up-and-coming scorer, and he has blossomed into that player north of the U.S. border. He’s a player that can immediately improve Connor Bedard’s wing.
Vilardi is coming off back-to-back 60-point seasons, with 30 goals for the first time in his career this past season. Winnipeg is in an interesting situation. Their roster isn’t getting any younger, older players have new extensions kicking in next season, and they missed the playoffs. If the Jets decide to look in the mirror and try to rebuild on the fly, moving Vilardi for a healthy package of assets might be a wise move.
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Matthew Knies – Toronto Maple Leafs
Mar 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (23) skates against the New York Rangers during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The most-discussed name in Blackhawks circles, Matthew Knies is a fascinating opportunity for a variety of reasons. For starters, he is young, just 23 years old. In addition, he’s on an incredibly affordable contract, $7.75 million AAV for the next five years. Factor in a 66-point season from Knies and its easy to see why Kyle Davidson is a big fan.
Now, Toronto isn’t necessarily going to trade Knies, unless they’re entering a full rebuild under new general manager John Chayka. If the intention is to keep Auston Matthews, which should be a lot easier after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, then trading Knies is super unlikely.
Pavel Dorofeyev – Vegas Golden Knights
Apr 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Vegas Golden Knights forward Pavel Dorofeyev (16) is pictured during a game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Perhaps the least talked about name entering the summer, Pavel Dorofeyev is due a huge payday. The 25-year-old Russian is coming off back-to-back seasons of 35 and 37 goals, respectively. He is a scoring machine, and adding him to the Blackhawks’ lineup is a guaranteed upgrade to help Connor Bedard.
Dorofeyev is also a power play machine, tallying almost half of his season points with the man advantage. Getting a player with a deadly shot that will draw attention with the man advantage is important for the Hawks. Plus, more goals are desperately needed in the lineup.
Vegas has some tough decisions to face with their cap space. The team should have around $5 million in cap space, and that doesn’t factor in Rasmus Andersson, who was acquired for a handsome package mid-way through the season. The Golden Knights have reportedly expressed a desire to sign the Swedish defenseman long term. If that is the case, there will be no money for Dorofeyev. The Blackhawks could leverage the cap space they have to swing a deal in their favor.
In my opinion, he’s the player the Hawks should target above all others.
Jason Robertson – Dallas Stars
Apr 25, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson (21) celebrates his power play goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
The Dallas Stars know they have to pay Jason Robertson. That said, can they make the money work? A big extension for Thomas Harley kicks in next season, and key players such as Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, and others are already under contract for a long time. Robertson is going to cost a lot after leading the team with 96 points (45 goals, 51 assists) and the Stars will either need to move on, or make a few moves to make the money work.
If the Stars are hell bent on keeping Robertson, perhaps the Blackhawks can leverage their need to make the money work. A Central Division tax will surely be leveraged, but there is always a chance to make something happen. Robertson likely isn’t a Blackhawk in the future, but the situation in Dallas is fascinating to watch from afar.
Nico Hischier – New Jersey Devils
Apr 5, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) plays the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Teams very rarely move on from their captain, but the New Jersey Devils are an interesting situation. Nico Hischier has one year left under contract and is due an extension. However, if he doesn’t sign with New Jersey, then a trade is likely. This was reported back in early April, and Hischier feels like a solid fit for the Blackhawks.
Consistent 60-point seasons, better than 55% in the face-off dot, and a convincing two-way presence make Hischier an easy sell for the Blackhawks. He’s everything they don’t have and at 27 years of age, he certainly still fits the timeline and team construct.
The Devils are also in an interesting cap situation, with minimal wiggle room and a new contract needed for Simon Nemec. Moving Hischier frees up space to get a new deal done, and the Hawks have the assets to satisfy New Jersey in any deal.
What’s On Tap Next?
The summer feels long when waiting for moves to happen. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are still in full swing, Connor Bedard’s extension is surely on the horizon, and the front office is settling in on their targets for the fourth overall pick. However, Kyle Davidson will surely be working the phones leading up to the NHL Draft in Buffalo, trying to improve his roster for the coming season.