Even after a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday, the Chicago Blackhawks’ offense left plenty to chew on. The winning side didn’t find the net at even strength until late, and that kind of output keeps the spotlight fixed on general manager Kyle Davidson and what he might do to shake up the forward group.
Chicago’s first goal came on a second-period power play when Roman Kantserov scored his fifth of the season to tie the game. Wyatt Kaiser followed with the eventual winner in the third period. But the bigger picture is harder to ignore: the Blackhawks have finished with two or fewer goals in eight of their 12 games this season.
That’s why any move up front has to be about more than a quick fix. It has to be the kind of addition that can matter beyond this week, and there are a few forwards who could fit that bill.
Ivan Miroshnichenko of the Washington Capitals stands out as the kind of swing Chicago could take without paying a premium. The 22-year-old, taken 20th overall in 2022, has reportedly been available for a while.
He’s on an entry-level deal, comes with a minimal cap hit and still carries the appeal of a player who could outgrow his current production. So far, he has played 55 NHL games across four seasons, with six goals and eight assists for 14 points.
The comparison that jumps out is Egor Chinakhov in Columbus. He was another late first-round pick who never quite clicked with the Blue Jackets before moving to Pittsburgh, where he finished last season with 36 points in 43 games.
If Chicago pursued a similar path, the cost could look like a depth forward and mid-round picks. Pittsburgh paid a second- and third-round pick in the Chinakhov deal.
If Miroshnichenko doesn’t become more than he is now, the Blackhawks wouldn’t be stuck with much beyond a modest contract that expires after next season.
Anthony Mantha is another name that could make sense if New Jersey decides to create some room. After posting 33 goals and 31 assists for 64 points in a career year, Mantha drew interest around the league, but the expected bidding war never really showed up.
Injury concerns kept teams from paying top dollar, and the 32-year-old wound up with the Devils on a two-year deal carrying a $4.75 million cap hit. He has filled a middle-six role, but a sluggish start has him at just five points in 12 games.
The Devils may need to open up some cap space after their blockbuster trade for Connor Hellebuyck, and Mantha could become the piece they move. For Chicago, he’d bring more runway and more opportunity than he has in New Jersey. He could get minutes closer to what he had in that career year, and the Blackhawks would be getting a recent 30-goal scorer at a much lower price than his peak value would suggest.
Filip Chytil of the Vancouver Canucks is a different type of bet, but one that carries a similar upside. The 27-year-old, selected 21st overall in 2017, has battled injuries for long stretches, yet there’s still plenty of hockey left if he can finally stay on the ice. When healthy, he has shown he can be a 45-point player, and the main issue has been availability.
He’s also in a key contract year, and that gives him more reason than ever to stay healthy. Through his first six games, he has two points.
If Chicago went after him, the cost would be minimal, and he could slide into the middle six at center or on the wing. If the injuries come back, the Blackhawks could simply let him walk in free agency.
If it works, they’d have a chance to convince him to stay with a meaningful role.
Paul Cotter of the Vancouver Canucks deserves an honorable mention, too. He’s the kind of player whose stock is rising at the right time, and that matters for a team looking to add bite and some offense without a massive commitment. The 26-year-old is a pending free agent and has never signed for more than three years, which means Chicago could potentially give him the biggest opportunity of his career.
Cotter has long been a gritty depth winger, but he’s already on pace to blow past his previous best of 25 points. He has seven points in his first 13 games, and that kind of start changes the conversation.
He was available to Chicago in free agency this past offseason, and after the adjustments he’s made, the Blackhawks may want to take a closer look. If he keeps this going, he could develop into a useful middle-six piece with some future value attached.
Kiefer Sherwood is the kind of late-career breakout comparison that helps frame the upside.
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Philadelphias situation is the part worth watching. The Flyers have already sparked speculation around several names as possible trade chips, and the Blackhawks would naturally be in the market if a deal makes sense for their timeline. One winger stands out as the most intriguing fit, but there are other Flyers players who could be part of the conversation as well, which gives this one a little more juice than a routine scouting visit. [Read more 🡒]
Blackhawks Suddenly Face A Trade Question Flyers Fans Will Watch Closely
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For Chicago, the subplot is less about what the Flyers want and more about what the Blackhawks are willing to consider. Nazar has the kind of upside that makes him easy to monitor and difficult to pry loose, while Moore is still being evaluated through a different lens as Philadelphia weighs whether he can grow into the role it needs. No deal is in place, but the fact that both names are in the mix is enough to keep this one worth watching. [Read more 🡒]
Blackhawks Loss Still Revealed A Reason For Real Blue Line Hope
A loss to the Florida Panthers still offered the Blackhawks a reminder of why the long view on their blue line has started to look more promising. In a 3-2 defeat, two of Chicagos young defensemen continued to show the kind of progress that matters more over time than on a single night, with Sam Rinzel and Kevin Korchinski each taking noticeable steps in their development.
Rinzel kept looking more comfortable in a two-way role, showing an ability to contribute at both ends without seeming out of place, while Korchinskis game carried a steadier, more confident feel. For a team still trying to build a reliable defensive foundation, those kinds of shifts matter because they suggest the Blackhawks are not just waiting on talent to arrive, but watching it start to settle in. [Read more 🡒]