Blackhawks could get massive gift from Panthers in 2027

The Chicago Blackhawks could be in line for a massive gift in 2027. The source of that present could come from somewhat of an unlikely source: The Florida Panthers.

In particular, that gift has to do with the first-round pick still pending from the Seth Jones trade.

Part of the return in the deal was a condition 2026 first-rounder. The Blackhawks could not utilize the pick in 2026 since it was top-10 protected. At the time, it didn’t seem like a big deal since no one really thought the Panthers would miss the playoffs after back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Yet here we are. Florida missed the playoffs and happened to land the ninth-overall pick. That triggered the condition, and Chicago missed out.

But that could end up becoming a blessing in disguise.

The pundits are picking the Panthers to bounce back into Stanley Cup form. However, there’s reason to believe that the Panthers may not be closer to another Stanley Cup now than they were at the beginning of last season. In fact, last season could have been a harbinger of the decline staring at the Panthers. And if that decline continues its path, the Blackhawks could be looking at another top-10 pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. It wouldn’t be surprising, in fact, if the Blackhawks ended up with a top-five pick.

Panthers’ 2026-27 season could go either way

The Panthers’ 2026-27 season could essentially go one of two ways. The Cats could come back rested and ready to pummel the NHL. The aging veteran core is fully healthy and has benefited from a long summer break. Aleksander Barkov is back to elite status after missing an entire season with a knee injury. Plus, Jacob Markstrom rediscovers his game and becomes the goalie Florida needs to dominate.

That’s an optimistic scenario. A more pessimistic one could also unfold.

Florida may discover that it’s out of gas. Even with a talented core, the offseason losses will be enough to expose just how worn down the team has become. Markstrom is not nearly the goalie the team needs to excel, while the club finds that it can’t really hold up well for an 84-game season.

At best, the Panthers join the mushy middle before eventually fading into a rebuild.

If the latter proves to be the case, Florida fans could be looking at another long season. And that’s where the Blackhawks could end up with a fantastic first-rounder, as this 2027 Panthers pick is unprotected.

Blackhawks have 3 first-rounders in 2027 NHL Draft

The Blackhawks figure to be in awesome shape heading into the 2027 NHL Draft. The Hawks will have three first-rounders. In addition to the Panthers’ pick, Chicago has its own, with the Edmonton Oilers’ first-rounder.

Now, it’s interesting to note that the pick obtained in the Jason Dickinson deal at last season’s NHL trade deadline is top-12 protected. In my estimation, this move signals that the Oilers feel that this season could fall apart for them.

If that’s the case, the Blackhawks might have to wait until 2028 for that pick.

So, let’s see what happens. Even if the Blackhawks have an improved season in 2026-27, they could have plenty of trade capital heading into the 2027 NHL trade deadline. It might just be the most exciting deadline for Chicago fans in a long while.

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