If the reported asking price is accurate, Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks should be all over this opportunity.
Apr 5, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jake Guentzel (59) watches the play against the Washington Capitals during the second period at PNC Arena.
Photo: James Guillory/USA TODAY Sports
The NHL offseason is beginning to heat up on the eve of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. The other 30 teams in the league are prepping for the 2024 NHL Draft and the impending free agency period. For the Chicago Blackhawks, their name has been thrown around a lot in some meaningful rumors this summer.
Earlier in the week, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman shared a bold prediction, linking the Blackhawks to free-agent forward Jake Guentzel. Although it could be a shock given the Blackhawks' previous dialogue on long-term deals, it appears there might be more weight to the prediction.
Friedman shared further thoughts on the idea in the latest installment of "32 Thoughts: The Podcast." Per the insider, Carolina is happy to trade Guentzel's rights to any team interested in signing him for a mid-round pick in the upcoming draft.
Blackhawks Have Capital to Target Jake Guentzel
Apr 14, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (98) controls the puck while being pursued by Carolina Hurricanes forward Jake Guentzel (59) in the first period at United Center.
Photo: Jamie Sabau/USA TODAY Sports
With a pair of third-round picks in the upcoming draft, Kyle Davidson should at least consider moving one of them for Jake Guentzel's rights. If the Blackhawks are at all serious about bringing the veteran into the fold this offseason, getting ahead of the curve by acquiring his rights couldn't hurt.
Although Davidson danced around questions regarding the rumor, he never denied it. Why would he? Davidson won't tip his hand to anyone, and keeping everyone in limbo only gives him the upper hand.
Although nothing is set in stone, being able to acquire Guentzel's rights might be a worthy move for the Blackhawks.
