The Chicago Blackhawks are sellers at this year’s NHL Trade Deadline. Seth Jones and Taylor Hall have each been sent packing already. More veterans are sure to be following them before Friday.
The Blackhawks are concerned with the future which should be the case. That doesn’t mean that they can only trade veterans for draft picks and prospects. Developing Connor Bedard is part of it all too.
Getting the 2023 first-overall pick some more help is necessary for Kyle Davidson and his staff. That will likely come this summer but they can try to add a piece or two for Bedard at the deadline too.
There are prospects available in the system that the Hawks could part with to get Bedard a good linemate. These are three that are most likely to go if they were to make a move like that:
1. Kevin Korchinski
The Chicago Blackhawks selected Kevin Korchinski with the 7th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. He has had his share of games at the NHL level but has spent most of 2024-25 crafting his skills with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.
Korchinski has had some really good moments at both North American pro hockey levels, but the Hawks may be wise to consider moving him. Korchinski is a wildly talented offensive player but his defending is the project.
He could reach his potential on both sides of the puck one day but the Hawks have tons of great defenseman in the system and they can’t all be NHL regulars in Chicago. Guys like Louis Crevier, Alex Vlasic, Ethan Del Mastro, Nolan Allan, Sam Rinzel, and Artyom Levshunov are all going to have a chance at making an impact at the highest level.
They also won’t ever be short of veteran guys to help them. There just isn’t enough room for everyone. If Korchinski is one of the headliners in a package that gets Bedard some help on his line, it’s a no-brainer.
2. Drew Commesso
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Spencer Knight in the Seth Jones trade and he was brilliant right away. His 41 saves on 42 shots left a great first impression on Chicago.
Arvid Soderblom has also played very well for Chicago this season when it was expected that he’d spend the entire year in the AHL.
Petr Mrazek and Laurent Brossoit came into the year as the tandem but Brossoit hasn’t played yet this season which opened the door for Soderblom. Mrazek has made a bulk of the starts and has played okay.
With Rockford, Drew Commesso has played okay and he’s been up in the NHL at times as well. It’s starting to look like he may be better off playing for another organization. It’s getting crowded in Chicago’s crease.
If Knight becomes the goalie of the future, and it seems like he may be that guy, Commesso would be the backup at best and even that’s not guaranteed. He is very talented though and deserves the chance to be a starter somewhere.
Including him in a deal that gets Connor Bedard a winger to play with is something that could happen. A move like that would benefit both sides.
3. Oliver Moore
If the Chicago Blackhawks want to include another one of their former first round picks, Oliver Moore may be someone to consider. He is having a great year at the University of Minnesota who is a contender to win the NCAA title this year.
Moore attacks and defends well at the college level because of his speed. He is as fast as any player in Chicago’s system.
Moore hasn’t developed into an offensive star up to this point. The Blackhawks were probably looking to see more out of him, but the speed is nothing to disregard. That quickness should help him have big NHL years.
With that said, it may be a while before Moore is truly ready for the NHL. Moving him for Bedard help is a good idea if he can lead a package that lands Chicago someone who can help them.
Moore may need other things to go with him in a package for a good winger who can make an impact in the present. He is a good starting point if you’re looking to make a big-time trade that lands long-term help.
