3 forwards Kyle Davidson could target For Blackhawks struggling offense

On Tuesday, the Chicago Blackhawks came away with a big 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, but the offense still showed some concerning signs.

Chicago didn't get on the board until a second-period power play, when Roman Kantserov scored his fifth goal of the season to tie the game. Wyatt Kaiser then scored the eventual winner in the third period. 

It was the eighth time in 12 games this season that the Blackhawks finished with two or fewer goals, which puts even more focus on the need for change up front. That raises the question of which forwards general manager Kyle Davidson could add to make a meaningful, long-term adjustment to the group.

Ivan Miroshnichenko, Washington Capitals

The Capitals have reportedly been shopping the 22-year-old, the 20th overall pick in 2022, for some time. He looks like a low-risk, high-reward addition. He is on an entry-level deal with a minimal cap hit and could still live up to his prospect pedigree. Miroshnichenko has played just 55 games for Washington over four NHL seasons, recording six goals and eight assists for 14 points.

Many have compared his situation to that of Egor Chinakhov in Columbus. Chinakhov was also a late first-round pick, going 21st overall in 2020, and never found his footing with the Blue Jackets. After moving to Pittsburgh, he finished last season with 36 points in 43 games. 

Chicago could run a similar experiment, and if the asking price matches what Pittsburgh paid for Chinakhov, it would cost a depth forward and mid-round picks, a second- and third-round pick in the Penguins' case. If it doesn't work out, Miroshnichenko isn't paid much, and Chicago could move on when his contract expires after next season.

Anthony Mantha, New Jersey Devils

After a career year of 33 goals and 31 assists for 64 points, many expected a bidding war for Mantha. However, that never materialized as the 32-year-old carries long-term injury risk, and teams weren't eager to pay for a player who could get hurt. He signed with the Devils on a two-year deal with a $4.75 million cap hit, expecting to play a middle-six role, and has done so.

With a slow start to the season, just five points in 12 games, and New Jersey tight against the cap after its blockbuster trade for Connor Hellebuyck, the Devils may look for some wiggle room, and Mantha could be expendable. In Chicago he could get a bigger role with minutes similar to his career year, and the Blackhawks would get a recent 30-goal scorer at a far reduced rate.

Filip Chytil, Vancouver Canucks

The 27-year-old, 21st overall pick back in 2017, still has plenty of hockey left in the tank. After prolonged stretches battling injuries, the hope is that the Czech forward can finally stay healthy. 

When he is on the ice, Chytil has proven he can be a 45-point player, and injuries are the only thing holding him back. He has more incentive than ever to stay in the lineup as he enters a crucial contract year, and he has two points through his first six games.

If Chicago takes a low-risk, high-reward shot on Chytil, he could slot into the middle six at center or on the wing and would cost next to nothing. If injuries return, the Blackhawks could simply let him walk in free agency. If it pans out, Chicago could convince him to stay by giving him a meaningful role, and if he does leave, the team likely wouldn't have given up much to get him.

Honorable mention: Paul Cotter, Vancouver Canucks

It's always promising to catch a player on the upswing, and that is what Chicago could get with Cotter. The 26-year-old is a pending free agent, but has yet to sign more than a three-year deal and could get his biggest runway yet on the Blackhawks. 

The gritty depth winger has never surpassed 25 points in his career, but he is already on track to smash that mark with seven points in his first 13 games. He was available to Chicago as a free agent this past offseason, but given the adjustments he has made and how he has looked so far, the Blackhawks could take a shot on his upside. 

If it doesn't work out, they can let him walk in free agency. If he can be a meaningful addition to the middle-six of the lineup with his gritty edge and newfound scoring potential, Chicago could potentially use him as a middle-six piece for the future. Kiefer Sherwood is a more gritty player than Cotter but as a late career breakout, is a worthwhile comparison for what his upside can be.

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