Are the Blackhawks Playing It Too Safe? Reactions to Scott Powers’ Report

Scott Powers recently wrote about what he's hearing about the Chicago Blackhawks. You can read the article for yourself here.

If you know me, you know I'm actually optimistic about what Kyle Davidson is doing in Chicago. But I also understand that optimism has to remain checked with doses of reality.

And Powers brought up some negatives that I need to just... air out.

Blackhawks Trades

If you weren't aware, the Anaheim Ducks traded Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers in return for a 2nd round pick, a 4th, and Ryan Poehling. In other words not a lot.

For the Ducks, it sounds like they aren't done making moves. But for the Blackhawks, did they even ask about Zegras? They did, according to Powers, but the talks didn't get far.

Is Zegras someone the Hawks truly want on the team? Eh, maybe. But if the price is cheap and Zegras' contract is set to expire next year, why not? Sure, Zegras won't be a center. He struggled in the middle and was leapfrogged in Anaheim. But he's a young, talented forward who could develop into something on the wing.

Powers also referenced another potential trade item, and that's JJ Peterka. I've written about Peterka and his situation before. I don't think he's a realistic trade target for the Blackhawks, and it seems that's the case.

According to Powers, Davidson inquired about Peterka, but the Buffalo Sabres are interested in talent that can impact their roster now. The Blackhawks' No. 3 overall pick won't cut it.

In fact, a lot of teams will probably begin copying what the Panthers did to build their success (three Stanley Cup Final appearances and two Cups). Davidson has a lot of draft capital that doesn't hold the value it once did.

At the very least, it sounds like the Blackhawks are at least open to anything, according to Powers. It just might not materialize into anything.

Free Agency

Powers also talked about how the Blackhawks might pursue a veteran defenseman in free agency.

I'll give Davidson the pass on players like Marner because he's the only free agent worth pursuing, and he won't go to Chicago because he wants to win now. Beyond Marner, I don't care for any free agent.

The Blackhawks have two veteran defensemen on their roster. Connor Murphy (33 years old) and Alex Vlasic (24 years old). Yes. Vlasic counts as a veteran defenseman. He has two full NHL seasons under his belt and is a competent defenseman. And the Hawks don't need to add another broken vet for "reasons."

The blue line is fine as it is. Will the kids make mistakes? Sure as shit. But you don't need a 7th defenseman to make them feel "ok" and "safe." If Davidson feels as confident as he does about the blue line, I think he's fine to run it as is.

But what do I know.