After yet another disappointing NHL season, the Chicago Blackhawks are determined to take a firm step forward in their rebuild. Hoping to surround Connor Bedard with key teammates, the Hawks are reportedly emerging as candidates to sign a veteran with over 500 career points, who is expected to test free agency.
Though being in the NHL for just two years, Bedard has already been put through the wringer in his career with the Blackhawks. The former first overall selection in the 2023 NHL entry Draft has experienced seasons of dismay and sorrow, despite leading his team in points in both campaigns.
His individual success has done little to change the status quo in Chi-Town, where the Blackhawks have languished near the bottom of the NHL standings season after season. With Jeff Blashill now behind the bench at United Center, there’s hope that a new trend could begin—though fans in the Windy City aren’t getting their hopes up just yet.
That might change if the Blackhawks manage to acquire one key veteran presence for their locker room, as Winnipeg Jets left-winger Nikolaj Ehlers is reportedly set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.
According to reports from NHL insider Chris Johnston, it’s looking like Ehlers won’t re-sign with the franchise that selected him ninth overall in 2014 and where he has spent his entire career. “Chicago would make a lot of sense,“ Johnston said regarding Ehlers’ potential destinations. The Carolina Hurricanes are also in the mix.
Ehlers has appeared in 674 games so far in his career with the Jets, recording 225 goals and 295 assists for a total of 520 points. His addition to the Blackhawks’ roster would make him the second-highest point producer on the team, trailing only Nick Foligno.
An eye for an eye?
Ehlers has become a key leader in Winnipeg, yet he’s failed to deliver the franchise’s first Stanley Cup, a trophy that still eludes the Jets. To aid the potential departure of one veteran voice in the locker room, the franchise in Manitoba might be eyeing a Blackhawks legend.
Jonathan Toews, who captained Chicago to three Stanley Cups, is gearing up to complete his comeback to the NHL after a two-season absence due to health issues. The 37-year-old is rumored to be eyeing a move to his hometown Jets, hoping to deliver the most coveted addition to the franchise’s trophy cabinet.
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In that sense, the Blackhawks and Jets might end up completing an unofficial exchange of leaders. Although Toews is no longer under contract in Chicago, his heart will forever be tied to the Windy City. Still, it’s hard for fans to picture him wearing a different jersey—yet a return to the NHL with the Blackhawks appears highly unlikely.