There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to the Chicago Blackhawks. Young forward Frank Nazar signed a very team-friendly deal. Young superstar Connor Bedard is approaching his third NHL season. The team, by all accounts, looks ready to take the next step.
The only thing they’re missing is a little extra offensive help.
Heavy.com proposed a trade that would see the Blackhawks acquire top RFA Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks.
Blackhawks Receive:
- Mason McTavish
Ducks Receive:
- Kevin Korchinski
- 2027 2nd round pick
The Blackhawks are absolutely loaded on the blue line. From former second overall pick Artem Levshunov to Alex Vlasic, they’ve got more than their fair share of defenders. The Ducks, on the other hand, could use a little help on the blue line.
This trade is mutually beneficial for both parties, giving Chicago more offense and Anaheim more defense.
Why McTavish is Hesitant to Stay in Anaheim
Training camp is less than a month away. As of right now, McTavish and the Ducks don’t have a contract in place. Frank Seravalli of Bleacher Report believes that McTavish wants a change of scenery. Having said that, per James Murphy of RG Media, a team would have to “knock Pat’s socks off with a monster offer” for McTavish. “A right-shot, top-four and future top-pairing defenseman would be the starting point from what I know”.
While Korchinski does shoot left, his potential ceiling and age make him more than appealing for a team like the Ducks. At just 21 years of age, Korchinski has yet to play his best brand of hockey. On the Ducks, he could easily lock down a top-four role with the organization.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period believes there is some uncertainty regarding McTavish’s deployment. “There was some worry in July about what his usage is going to be and how his development is going to be affected by that. And I think that’s why his name has been out there. I know they’ve been having talks with other teams.”
How McTavish Helps the Blackhawks
McTavish finished last season with 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 76 games. He’s a fast, physical center with the ability to overwhelm his opposition. The Blackhawks, who are in desperate need of some extra sandpaper, would see an immediate upgrade to their offense.
While McTavish is a center, he has plenty of experience playing on the wing as well. Adding McTavish to the fold gives them a bevy of options at their disposal. They can move Nazar to the wing, or, if they believe Bedard’s best off center, McTavish can center the first line. It’s never a bad problem in the NHL to have a few extra centers. It’s even better when they can play the type of two-way hockey McTavish does.
Last season, the Hawks finished with an abysmal -70 goal differential. Adding a player of McTavish’s caliber to the fold would help on both ends of the ice. To top it all off, he’s just 22 years old. His development timeline matches with Bedard, Nazar, Levshunov and the rest of the core.
If the Blackhawks want to take their next step, adding a player like McTavish is the most logical option.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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