Three Trade Targets The Blackhawks Should Consider This Offseason

Now that I've firmly placed free agency to rest (I don't think there's much that's going to happen for the Blackhawks). Let's start looking at who the Blackhawks could acquire via trade.

Kyle Davidson's plan is to build a team through the draft. But even Davidson understands that a completely home-grown team is impossible. From his perspective, the plethora of prospects gives the roster meat, and the leftover holes can be filled in through other acquisition means.

But that doesn't mean Kyle Davidson should just wait until he knows what holes he has. That's a bit reactive. We want to be proactive. And there are some players available for Davidson to acquire via trade.

JJ Peterka

JJ Peterka is 23 years old, a nice-sized winger at 189 lbs and 6 feet, and he just finished consecutive 50+ point seasons (27 goals, 41 assists, 68 points last season). The German forward is an offensive playmaker who could play with Connor Bedard but might be better suited on the second line (in the long term). Peterka posted a 46% expected goals share at 5v5.

But what would it cost to get a player like Peterka? And would it be worth giving up?

Peterka isn't the "star winger" that fans are looking for to play with Bedard, but his talent is better than anything else the Blackhawks currently have on the top-six wing. His size also complements either Bedard or Frank Nazar.

Peterka's contract ends this year as well, and he's expected to ask for around $7 million for 7 years. The term is a bit long, in my opinion. I would be more comfortable with a five-year deal, but I don't think Peterka wants that.

Jason Robertson

Here he is. Here is your star winger.

Jason Robertson's cap hit of $7.8 million puts Dallas in a tough spot. The money won't be an issue for Chicago. Robertson's contract does end in 2026, which coincides with other Blackhawks players' contracts (Connor Bedard), and that's where I think Kyle Davidson will be hesitant (he shouldn't be).

Robertson just put up his second consecutive 80-point season (35 goals, 45 assists, 82 games). After dealing with an injury and some time out to start the post-season, Robertson took a while to get going in the playoffs, scoring 4 goals in his last 5 games.

But what will he cost?

Remember, the Stars gave up Logan Stankoven and three first-round picks to acquire Mikko Rantanen, Mikael Granlund, and Cody Ceci. The Stars will look to acquire draft picks and may ask for a prospect from the Blackhawks. Rantanen just signed a massive $12 million x 7-year deal, and Granlund is due an extension, projected to be around $5 million.

If I'm Davidson, this is who I'm going after.

Marco Rossi

Marco Rossi is a talented center at 23 years old with an expiring contract. His asking price of $7 million x 7 years is a bit steep for some, especially the Wild. But with his skillset and a rising cap, there are teams that will greatly benefit from him.

But not the Blackhawks.

Rossi scored 60 points in 82 games last season (24 goals, 36 assists). But at 5'9" and 182 lbs, the Blackhawks don't need another small forward in their top-six. The Blackhawks are also set on Bedard and Nazar being their top two centers, although Nazar excels on the wing. There are just not a lot of things that make Rossi a good fit for the Blackhawks' current situation.

We'll see if Davidson pulls the trigger on a trade. With the free-agency market pretty barren, acquiring a player through trade is the best route to go. The three players above are the best targets for Davidson, even though Rossi isn't a great fit.