Blackhawks pre-draft trade is all about opening up lineup spots

The Chicago Blackhawks made another significant pre-draft trade on Friday afternoon. Chicago sent veteran forward Andre Burakovsky to the Ottawa Senators for a sixth-round pick in the upcoming draft.

At face value, the deal might not seem like a shocker. After all, it’s not like the Blackhawks needed to clear Burakovsky’s cap hit this summer. And the return doesn’t really suggest anything major.

What the move signals is that the organization needs to make room for up-and-coming prospects. In particular, one of the prospects who should see full-time action next season is Anton Frondell.

While the consensus is that Frondell will play center, there is still the need for a roster spot moving forward.

But that’s not the only roster spot that will have to open. The organization is still searching for additional upgrades. One hot topic of discussion was Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies.

While the Blackhawks won’t be targeting Knies, at least it doesn’t seem so, the club will be looking to bring in another piece.

One name floating right now is Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars. Again, there’s nothing imminent on that front. But those are the sorts of things Kyle Davidson has in mind. Still, Davidson and the organization want to keep their options open, just in case something does land on their lap.

Could Blackhawks find something on free-agent market?

 There’s also the possibility that the Blackhawks have their eye on the free-agent market. The chatter has revolved around the relative lack of big-name UFAs this summer.

But that doesn’t mean the Blackhawks might not have their eye on someone. For instance, Anthony Mantha, who’s coming off a 30-goal season, could be someone on the team’s radar.

Other free-agent options include veterans like Vladimir Tarasenko and Viktor Arvidsson. While veterans such as Tarasenko and Arvidsson could be looking for one last multi-year deal, they could find playing for a rising team like Chicago enticing.

The Blackhawks have over $36 million in cap space. Even after including Connor Bedard’s next contract, the organization should have plenty of space to add another significant piece to help the club’s scoring.

Then again, there’s always time for another massive trade. So, fans shouldn’t discount the possibility of another stunner coming down the pipeline. The Blackhawks are going for it this season, opening the door for more big-time acquisitions.

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