The Chicago Blackhawks’ rough start has put the spotlight on what comes next, and the noise around a possible move is getting louder.
Chicago is sitting at 4-12-1 and riding a five-game losing streak, which has naturally led to questions about whether the organization will look to shake things up. Over a week ago, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff said on the CHSN broadcast that general manager Kyle Davidson was asking around about shoot-first wingers with size, though he also noted that it’s tough to get teams to bite this early in the season.
That trade chatter picked up again on Nov. 5, when Elliotte Friedman joined the DMase, Vingan & Daunic podcast and was asked whether “heads will roll at any point” in Chicago. Friedman didn’t sound like he expected a front-office or coaching change. Instead, he pointed toward the possibility of a roster move.
“I think they’ll try to make some moves first. I do.
Kyle Davidson, the GM, got a big extension in the offseason, so I don’t see it being him. I don’t think they want to make the coach [Jeff Blashill] the scapegoat, so I don’t necessarily think it’s going to be him.
Although, like, when things go badly, the coach often takes the heat there. I don’t think they want to do that.
I think they’re going to try to make a move first.”
That lines up with the sense that Chicago may be looking for help rather than a wholesale reset. Whether that means a smaller swap or something bigger is the real question, especially with Seravalli’s report that making trades this early can be difficult. Still, needs can change quickly, and teams can always push harder if the right fit comes along.
The idea of adding something new to the mix has obvious appeal. A fresh face and a different energy can sometimes jolt a group, especially when the current formula isn’t working.
After the Blackhawks’ 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Nov. 5, Cole Smith was asked about the mood inside the room.
“Probably disappointed. I think we all expect better from ourselves, and you know, being in the position we’re in right now, I think disappointment’s a big one.
Obviously, losing games wears on you a bit, but it’s a long year. So, I mean, it’s early.
So, we got to find it and start winning some games.”
That’s been the theme from the players all season: young, hungry, eager to compete. But the results haven’t matched the talk, and the skid has made it hard to ignore the possibility that the Blackhawks need reinforcement.
For now, the trade route looks like the one to watch. If Chicago does make a move, it could be the spark this group needs. If not, the pressure will keep building.
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