The Chicago Blackhawks should always be looking for upgrades. However, they should have a spot for Frank Nazar when he is ready to get back into the NHL.
It is never a bad idea to keep finding ways to upgrade a roster.
The Chicago Blackhawks could certainly use a second-line center as Philipp Kurashev has gotten off to a slow start. The Blackhawks reportedly want to see if they can find one in the trade market, especially a young one.
The Blackhawks have a lot of draft picks to work with. It could reach the point where the 50-contract rule could apply, and the team might have to dump the picks. That is why it cannot hurt to see what their draft capital can get for established players.
However, the Blackhawks still have their second-line center of the future in their system.
That is why trading for a young center could block Frank Nazar in the long run. His development in Rockford is going well and he should be back in the NHL at some point.
The Blackhawks are pleased with Frank Nazar’s play in Rockford so far. He probably isn’t immediately returning to the NHL, but he’s on track for a call-up.
My story on his development plan with the IceHogs: ⤵️ https://t.co/qGpDcAwjEm
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) October 25, 2024
Although, it is not like Nazar has to be locked in at the second line. It is not like Connor Bedard must be a center, as he can also move over to the wing. In that case, Nazar, or whoever the Hawks get in a deal, can skate on the first line.
The Hawks should be scouring the Earth all the time to collect pieces that will help them get back to being competitive.
Also, Nazar will have his nights in the NHL where he will have his struggles. That might mean a night or two on the fourth line.
It is what the Hawks have done with Lukas Reichel, another top prospect they tried out at second-line center. That is why it cannot hurt to find a more established 2C. However, they are not easy to find or develop.
Finding a second-line center was always a problem for those Stanley Cup-winning teams last decade. That is why if the Blackhawks can find a team willing to move on from their young center for more draft picks or prospects, they must jump at the chance.
That brings up the other reason to question the timing of the Hawks looking for a trade partner now, as a team might not be ready to part with one. It is still way too early in the season for any hockey team to officially call it quits on the season, even if a team is tanking.
Getting a young center in return for picks has a better chance of happening around the draft than it is this early in the season or before the deadline. Look at how the Hawks got Frank Nazar in the first place.
Honestly, the Hawks are still in the middle portion of their rebuild, so it is never a bad time to see if the trade market can yield a valuable piece that can contribute to future success.
