The Chicago Blackhawks are heading into a pivotal offseason in which they possess a solid amount of cap space and impressive draft capital.
The Blackhawks own the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft as well as three second-rounders, and next year, Chicago will lay claim to three first-round draft choices.
Clearly, the Blackhawks have plenty of ammunition to significantly bolster their roster this summer, and for a franchise that has missed the playoffs six seasons in a row, its longest drought since 1952, a major move is needed.
The question is whether or not Chicago will move out of the fourth overall selection next month.
There will be some very intriguing prospects available, although it’s beginning to look less likely that Ivar Stenberg will still be on the board when the Blackhawks are on the clock. Scott Powers of The Athletic provided some intel on a potential trade.
Chicago Blackhawks could make a major NHL Draft trade
Jan 9, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill reacts during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
There are a lot of directions in which Chicago can proceed in the coming weeks, and Powers isn’t ruling out anything.
“As The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported on Wednesday, the Blackhawks are open to trading the No. 4 pick, but I’d go even further than that. The Blackhawks are open to trading any of their picks over the next two drafts,” Powers wrote. “They’re more willing than ever to listen to offers. Moving the fourth pick, though, would require a significant return. They’d want a player in his prime who can contribute to what they’re building for many years to come.”
Again, Chicago is absolutely loaded with draft capital over these next couple of summers, so a trade actually seems somewhat likely.
The Blackhawks badly need another wing alongside of Connor Bedard, and they could also use a veteran defenseman, particularly one with a bit more offense. Of course, Chicago could always explore the free-agent market for answers, but it may be able to secure a better player via trade.
Bedard himself is headed toward restricted free agency in July, although he obviously won’t be going anywhere. The Blackhawks are working on a contract extension with the star center, which should be their top priority. But they also need to get him some help.
We’ll see how Chicago goes about doing that as the NHL Draft approaches.
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