NHL Rumors: Blackhawks & Canucks Could Swing Trade

The Chicago Blackhawks enter the 2023 NHL Entry Draft with a significant advantage, holding the coveted No. 1 overall pick and several early-round selections.

General Manager Kyle Davidson is focused on bolstering the team's young talent pool, evident by their six selections in the top 60 picks, including two first-round picks and four second-round picks. While they are reluctant to trade the top pick, there are rumors suggesting the Blackhawks could explore a trade involving their No. 19 pick to move up in the draft order.

According to multiple sources, including The Athletic's Scott Powers, one potential trade partner for the Blackhawks could be the Vancouver Canucks, who are actively seeking to shed contracts during the offseason.

Blackhawks targeting Canucks around first-round draft trade?The Chicago Blackhawks are in no way looking to trade the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft, however, they may be looking to make a deal that includes other first-round picks.https://t.co/9dvc1quz9F pic.twitter.com/yd9rtfqiiW

— Sportsman Bro (@SportsmanBro) May 27, 2023

The Blackhawks might consider packaging their No. 19 pick with other assets to entice a team to part with a top-15 selection. In this hypothetical scenario, the Canucks might be willing to trade their No. 11 pick if the Blackhawks also absorb a burdensome contract, potentially offering a solution for both teams.

While the Blackhawks are focused on acquiring young talent, they acknowledge that they are still in a rebuilding phase and have a long way to go before becoming serious contenders.

They are open to listening to trade offers from teams looking to offload contracts, as they anticipate addressing potential cap concerns in the future.

The draft will reveal whether these trade rumors come to fruition and if the Blackhawks can make strategic moves to strengthen their roster. Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports