Although it might be a pipe dream for the Blackhawks, what would it take to bring Steven Stamkos to Chicago to join forces with Connor Bedard?
The Chicago Blackhawks have an important offseason ahead. Next week, the team and fans will learn their fate in the NHL Draft Lottery. In addition, Alex Vlasic is now under contract for the foreseeable future after agreeing to an extension, checking Kyle Davidson's most important task off as complete on the offseason checklist.
Now, the focus is the NHL Draft, but free agency will be another opportunity for Davidson to improve the club. Knowing Davidson does not want to sign expensive, young talent to long-term deals this summer, he'll have to improve the club with contracts for either two or three years. That likely means veterans who are slightly overpaid will be relied upon to build around Connor Bedard and the youngsters on the roster for the time being.
Enter one of the most prolific veterans on the market: Steven Stamkos. The veteran is a free agent for only the second time in his career. Although he returned to Tampa Bay last time, that likelihood is far less likely than last time.
Their have been "reports" that Stamkos has interest in the Hawks. Now, whether that is true or not is completely unknown. However, adding a player like Stamkos to this current roster could propel the Blackhawks into the next stage of the rebuild where, they're not Cup contenders, but they're at least playoff contenders and a team to watch out for.
But, as Stamkos ages, why would he want to come to a team that isn't going to win right now? He has all the money in the world and he has won, so why not keep winning? Stamkos would have to take a pay cut to join a contender, but that feels like something he might be willing to do as a 34-year-old.
What would it take to get Stamkos to Chicago? Surely for starters, it's going to require an overpayment. How much is Davidson willing to offer for say two or three years? $9 million AAV? $9.5 million AAV? $10 million AAV? The number will definitely be the most on the books until Connor Bedard inevitably receives his second NHL contract.
In addition, the draw to Chicago is there. Surely playing for an Original 6 team in a fantastic city is appealing. But, the young talent, aside from Bedard, and the potential to add another top player with the second pick in the NHL Draft improves the argument for Chicago as a landing spot.
From a forward standpoint, the roster would look quite deep with Stamkos inserted and key members returning from injury.
A hypothetical look at the Blackhawks' forward group with the addition of Steven Stamkos and a fully healthy roster as of May 3, 2024 (we almost nailed the Reichel contract to a tee, had him at 2 years, $1.1 million).
Photo: CapFriendly
In the end, the Blackhawks wouldn't need to add much more to round out the roster. Yes, there will be upgrades made beyond a Stamkos addition, but the major updates will come once Connor Bedard and the rest of the core get their new contracts.
Stamkos brings additional leadership and a dynamic scorer to play with Connor Bedard. With a pair of potentially great young centers in Bedard and Frank Nazar in the fold as well, a Stamkos addition compliments both players by allowing Taylor Hall to play with the other.
In the end, will it be enough to lure Stamkos to Chicago? Maybe not. However, Kyle Davidson should be on the phone and at least trying to bring the long-time Lightning captain to the Windy City.
