Luke Richardson
IT'S OFFICIAL …¼ï¸ Luke Richardson is our 40th head coach in franchise history pic.twitter.com/cSmjbW6YBg
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 27, 2022
Statements from #Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson and new head coach Luke Richardson. pic.twitter.com/qdGT9Ti183
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) June 27, 2022
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Rebuilding Paths
It's one thing to wonder whether Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews want to be around for a rebuild.
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) May 4, 2022
It's another to wonder, do the #Blackhawks want them here for it? https://t.co/PzPQt7cTV4
At one end is a total gutting of the roster by making a substantial amount of trades to gain draft picks, prospects, NHL-ready youngsters, and veterans with considerable salary and a year or two left on their contracts that can be flipped at the TDL for more futures.
Then at the other end is keeping the band together by tinkering around the edges rather than making wholesale changes. What this specifically entails is twofold: ensure Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews retire as lifelong Blackhawks and keep Alex DeBrincat long term as a key rebuilding piece.
While that latter plan is possible, it doesn't seem like this is the route that the Hawks are headed. Davidson has been vocal about a rebuild and doing it by restocking the system on a timeline that will take as long as needed. To the chagrin of Kane and Toews, no hurry-up version for him.
But if the Hawks decide to keep DeBrincat and if key veterans Kane, Toews, and Seth Jones aren't going anywhere either, who is there to trade to gain futures that will aid the rebuild in a way that will move the needle in an incremental yet impactful way? Or would this be a bad way to rebuild?
Signs are pointing more and more to Dylan Strome and Dominik Kubalik not being with the Hawks. Hopefully Davidson doesn't let them walk without obtaining something in return. It's doubtful either of them gain a 1st round pick. Maybe a 2nd for Strome but both are likely getting back less.
Other teams have inquired about Kirby Dach. Perhaps he can attract a 1st rounder or at least a viable prospect of similar stature as him and who may benefit from a change of scenery. Connor Murphy and Jake McCabe are defensive defensemen on affordable contracts with both salary and term.
Strome, Kubalik, Dach, Murphy, and McCabe would bring back decent returns but not the same top-shelf returns as DeBrincat, Kane, Toews, and Jones. Not counting DeBrincat, salary would almost for certain need to be retained on the others in order to sweeten the pot for suitors.
Trading anyone else on the roster not mentioned above would be a run-of-the-mill trade that all teams make rather than one that would contribute to the rebuild. Such players are going to bring back other bottom 6 forwards and 3rd pair blueliners or low-level draft picks and prospects.
There's also trading draft picks and prospects of their own but that would be counter intuitive to a rebuild, i.e. a team like the Blackhawks need to import these assets into the organization and not export them. A few exports may be inevitable but there needs to be a net positive on imports.
This first offseason for Davidson can set the tone for not just his career as an NHL general manager but also for the rebuild's end goal of sustainably perennial contention. A few minor deals here and there may not cut it. Blockbusters may fulfill the prescription of what he's seeking.
The former scenario could result in just rearranging the chairs on the Titanic. Different players, issues persisting. But the latter scenario could result in a titanic shift of the franchise's fortunes from a downward spiral to an upward revival. Different players, issues resolved.
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Trade Rumor
4 of Artturi Lehkonen's 8 goals in the #StanleyCup playoffs were game winners. 2 of his playoff-high 4 game-winning goals came in series clinchers in the final 2 rounds. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/cKpUqr0nx9
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) June 27, 2022
So far in his six NHL seasons, Lekhonen set career-highs this year with 19 goals and 38 points as a member of the Canadiens then the Avalanche. Being a 0.50 PPG player with 15-20 goals may be his water level as a three-zone forward who is defensively responsible and is a prime penalty killer.
If the Hawks acquire Lekhonen, perhaps they sign him to a short-term deal that can be flipped at either the 2023 or 2024 trade deadline for a high draft pick. Assuming he keeps up his offensive pace and his defense stays solid, a warrior like Lekhonen would be an attractive trade target.
A pivotal factor is whether Lekhonen can sustain his style of play and productivity on a rebuilding club. Suppose he does, it wouldn't be out of the question for him to garner a 1st round pick in a trade. Think similar middle 6 forwards like Blake Coleman, Barclay Goodrow, and Kyle Palmieri.
Regardless, Lekhonen would be a reliable young veteran for many of the even younger Chicago teammates to emulate as far as playing the right way. Lekhonen could slot in on the 3rd line while having the capacity to take on 2nd line duties if needed and depending on the Hawks forward depth.
Yet, a critical question to ask is what would the Hawks have to trade for Lekhonen? Teams poised to contend for the 2023 Cup would pay a pretty penny for his services. If that's the case, why would the Hawks do that? They're not contending and they shouldn't trade valuable draft picks either.
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See you on the boards!