It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re almost to the end of October, but we’ve still got a ton of NHL rumours. General managers are looking to bolster their respective rosters in a multitude of ways. Some are willing to make signings, but others may do it via trades. One team looking to bolster their forward depth is the Chicago Blackhawks. This edition of NHL rumours looks at the Blackhawks trying to add to their centre ranks.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Chicago Blackhawks Trying to Add Depth Centre
Rumour: A number of insiders, including Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, said the Blackhawks are trying to add more depth down the middle of their lineup. This was mentioned in a recent, written edition of 32 Thoughts.
Written 32: https://t.co/BB2zaReSNq
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 24, 2024
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Analysis: Friedman said the Blackhawks have been eyeing up pivots in recent weeks. Chicago made some moves to try to get up the standings. However, it’s still a bit of a slow go for the Blackhawks.
Chicago is last in the Central Division with a 2-6-1 record heading into Monday’s action. The team made plenty of signings, but the Blackhawks are still stuck to the bottom of the division.
The team does have some good young players, but they’ll need time to develop. It seemed that Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson tried to give the younger players some veteran help.
Using Your Capital
One way the Blackhawks could add a centre is via their numerous draft picks. Blackhawks beat writer Ben Pope and podcast host Jay Zawaski brought up that the Blackhawks could use some of their plethora of draft picks too acquire some centre help.
According to Pope, the team has 11 first and second-round draft choices spread across the next three NHL Drafts. That accumulation of selections could be used to getting a centre that’s in their mid 20s to add to the lineup.
Chicago also has to worry about hitting the 50-contract limit as Pope mentions. The Blackhawks likely wont’ be able to sign all of the players that would be drafted if they kept those picks. Packaging picks in a trade would be a good way to head off that possible problem.
Waiting for Development
There are some good young players on the roster. However, they have yet to step up and take the number-two centre spot. Frank Nazar hasn’t won the second-line centre spot and Philipp Kurashev hasn’t impressed.
Making a deal is the next progression in trying to improve Chicago’s lineup. However, Pope mentions that Davidson isn’t willing to give up any higher-end prospects. Davidson has a load of younger players developing in Rockford in the AHL and he probably doesn’t want to sacrifice any of them.
There are a number of teams that are looking for centre help according to Friedman. Teams like the Nashville Predators and Calgary Flames could be in the mix to add depth down the middle. Chicago might be in a good spot to make a move thanks to having plenty of draft choices, but the clock is ticking on its season.
Main photo by: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
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