Chicago Blackhawks insider suggests the team should target this NHL superstar

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Finnegan Frost
November 13, 2024 (3:11 PM)

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Mike Powers, a prominent Chicago Blackhawks insider with the Athletic believes the team should target Winnipeg Jets superstar Nikolaj Ehlers.

It's no secret by now that the Chicago Blackhawks are undergoing somewhat of an offensive slump. The team has only managed to score 3 goals in the past 4 matchups, and it's becoming clear that this level of offensive output isn't sustainable for future success.

Furthermore, the offensive slump seems to be affecting Connor Bedard the most. In a recent interview, Bedard mentions he "isn't playing great", highlighting the need for Blackhawks to find him some much needed support.

Mike Powers from the Athletic has potentially found the answer the Chicago Blackhawks are seeking.

Ehlers' value over time would look better with more ice time and playing with Bedard. Ehlers might be more of a middle ground for the Blackhawks, too, where he'd be an improvement from what they have and someone who could play with Bedard but also won't cost as much as Rantanen or Marner.
-Mike Powers

Nikolaj Ehlers is signed to a 7 year, $42,000,000 contract with a cap hit of $6,000,000 per season. His contract was signed on October 4, 2017, and expires at the end of the 2024-25 season, when Ehlers will be 29 years old.

With Ehlers heading into the final year of his contract, the opportunity for GM Kyle Davison to strike gold during the 2025 offseason is there for the taking.

Players like Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen will also become pending UFA's during the NHL offseason, but Powers believes there's much more value to be had pertaining to Nikolaj Ehlers.

Although an acquisition realistically won't happen until the offseason, Powers believes the Blackhawks should make every attempt to make this happen as it could significantly boost Connor Bedard's offensive numbers -- expediting the rebuild.