As the NHL’s offseason frenzy heats up, the Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly making phone calls. If Kyle Davidson’s goal is to add top- and middle-six forward help through trades, a number of names could be suitable. The Blackhawks have already been linked to a number of players this offseason, and we’ve already examined some other names that they can investigate to help bolster their top six. Now, we’ll look at some forwards who could help Chicago’s middle
Middle-Six Help
Getting solid middle-six players is usually an easier thing to do in free agency than acquiring top-six talent. However, those players usually receive paydays that make them overpriced, and while that might be ok for the Blackhawks this summer, it isn’t always good for other teams. With that in mind, Kyle Davidson can take some of those contracts and help other teams free up salary cap space to improve in other areas.
With that idea in mind, here are five players the Blackhawks could consider to improve their middle-six forward group.
Scott Laughton, Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia enters the offseason with limited salary cap space and a lot of money on the books for some long-term contracts. With the Flyers needing to create space and free up some dollars, some short-term contracts can probably be had for minimal capital.
For the Blackhawks, Laughton would be a lovely addition to the middle six. Playing both wing and center, Laughton had a fairly strong season in 2023-24. The veteran’s 39 points (13 goals, 26 assists) were good for sixth on the team, and he’s a respectable scorer despite only making $3 million AAV over the next two seasons. Laughton could insert nicely into the second or third line at the center spot. Although he and Jason Dickinson are similar players, the depth would still benefit the Hawks if they decide to pull the trigger on a move.
Morgan Frost, Philadelphia Flyers
Going back to the City of Brotherly Love, another name that could make sense for the Blackhawks is forward Morgan Frost. Frost tallied 41 points (13 goals, 28 assists) despite only playing in 71 games. The young winger and head coach John Tortorella had a reportedly strained relationship that they were working to mend. With that in mind, could a fresh start for Frost, who has one year remaining on his current deal, be in the cards?
At just 25 years old, Frost would easily fit in among Chicago’s core. The Hawks are looking for a cost-controlled player with youth and high upside, and Frost fits the bill. Additionally, Philadelphia could use more draft picks to continue turning things around, so the Blackhawks could be the ideal trade partner. It may be a stretch, but given the history and fit, Frost makes sense.
Tanner Jeannot, Tampa Bay Lightning
Only $5 million in cap space and a burning desire to bring back captain Steven Stamkos could force the Lightning to part ways with several short-term contracts. The Bolts re-acquired Ryan McDonough earlier this summer to bolster their blue line, leaving minimal space to continue improving their roster in the short term. The future core is locked up, leaving minimal salary cap space to build around them.
Jeannot burst onto the scene with the Nashville Predators in 2021-22. A 24-goal, 41-point campaign garnered the attention of many around the league. After a monster COVID-shortened season, Jeannot put up back-to-back quality campaigns. Then, the Lightning traded tons of picks to get him, and he has yet to live up to that price Tampa Bay once paid.
Now, with one season remaining at $2.665 million, Jeannot could be a candidate to move. The Blackhawks could give the Bolts a draft pick, which they have very few of. As of this writing, the Tampa Bay doesn’t pick until the fourth round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Enter the Hawks. Jeannot would look nice in the middle six for one season, then the team could make a decision on his future. Again, this could be a long shot given the capital the Bolts gave up to acquire Jeannot, but you never know unless you try.
Brandon Saad, St. Louis Blues
RECOGNITION FACE ALERT! There’s a standoff between Brandon Saad and the St. Louis Blues. The franchise reportedly wants to shed salary and switch up their roster a bit, but so many players have no-trade or no-move clauses. In Saad’s case, wouldn’t returning to Chicago be fun? The Blues don’t HAVE to move Saad, but there are reports that he’s an asset they’d trade. With two seasons at $4.5 million against the cap, the 31-year-old is a prime candidate to move. He’s also a fit for what Kyle Davidson is looking for this offseason in terms of skill and contract.
Saad is a quality scorer for any club, and he is coming off of his second-best goal-scoring season of his career (26 tucks). Add in the fact that he may still play top-six minutes, and this might be a solid deal for the Blackhawks.
Unfortunately, trading in the division is rare. However, if Chicago meets a fair price for the aging winger, it could be a slam dunk. Also, I’d selfishly love Saad back in a Blackhawks jersey.
Ross Colton, Colorado Avalanche
Again, there aren’t many transactions in the division. Nevertheless, who’s to say it can’t happen again? The Blackhawks dealt Brandon Saad to Colorado prior to the COVID-19 season. As the Avs attempt to rebuild, Colton is a possible contender for a trade, according to recent sources from Daily Faceoff. Prior to the 2023–24 season, Colton was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 80 games, he had 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in a respectable total while playing for Denver. The 27-year-old satisfies another prerequisite for Kyle Davidson’s likings, having three seasons at $4 million annually left on his deal.
Colton is not a prolific scorer, but he is the kind of player who, given the right chance, could have an impact. Colton would have a better chance of playing in the top six frequently thanks to Chicago’s roster. Perhaps Davidson takes a chance on a player with some further promise.
What’s On Tap Next?
The 2024 NHL Draft is right around the corner. The Stanley Cup Final has a chance to conclude on Friday if the Florida Panthers can knock off the Edmonton Oilers. If not, a Game 7 on Monday would wrap up the series and the 2023-24 NHL season.
The NHL Draft begins on Friday, June 28, and the Blackhawks are on the clock at No. 2. With eight total picks, including six in the first three rounds, Kyle Davidson is looking to continue stashing talent in his prospect cupboard.
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