3 sound forwards the Blackhawks can acquire in a late-offseason blockbuster

As with any offseason, trades and trade rumors have been a main staple, and the Chicago Blackhawks name has popped up several times throughout the summer. But nothing blockbuster-worthy has occurred, even if you can’t say the same for the number of high-quality free agents the Hawks signed. 

That said, why shouldn’t general manager Kyle Davidson seek to make one more big trade to catapult this team into serious contention for a top-eight spot in the Western Conference? There are a few seasoned veterans who could still go elsewhere this summer, and the names I’m about to share may not be ones that you have heard too much about. 

But logistically, moving them elsewhere should their respective organizations be interested in doing so would pay dividends, and you’re about to see why in a second. 

Blake Coleman, Calgary Flames

If there’s an ideal team to pick up talent from, it’s the Calgary Flames, who should continue to shed their lineup at various points this season. And if a prospect and draft pick-rich team like the Hawks approach them with the right deal, there’s a good chance Calgary would trade the 32-year-old Blake Coleman. 

Ordinarily, I’m not a fan of seeing players 30 years and older head to a younger team that still looks to be building. But Coleman is in a different scenario since he’s got three seasons left on his deal with a manageable $4.9 million cap hit. 

This would give the Blackhawks a productive player who would be best suited for the middle-six and one that will bring a sound game offensively and defensively. Overall, he would make the Hawks deeper, and his presence would also give Chicago’s prospects more time to develop in the lower leagues.  

Frank Vatrano, Anaheim Ducks

If there is one player on the Anaheim Ducks who will draw a ton of interest at the trade deadline in 2025 if he’s still in town, it’s Frank Vatrano. Somehow, he’s still with this rebuilding organization, even with the influx of youngsters who would, theoretically, force the Ducks to move the veteran. 

While we don’t know if Vatrano will repeat that 37-goal outburst he enjoyed a year ago, the Hawks would still get a solid forward nonetheless, with another year left on his deal. Since he will be heading into his age-31 season in 2025-26, there’s a good chance they wouldn’t need to commit to Vatrano long or pay him such a lucrative deal should he land in the Windy City. 

So, like Coleman, Vatrano bides the Hawks more time regarding their prospects, and he still gives them a forward who plays a decent game on both ends of the ice. 

Scott Laughton, Philadelphia Flyers

Another name we saw in the rumor mill often last season; it doesn’t look like Scott Laughton’s name is leaving it any time soon. Like Blake Coleman (I feel like I’ve said that multiple times so far), Laughton would be a great piece on the middle-six and one who would help the Hawks win faceoffs in the defensive zone, provide a scoring threat, and strong defensive play. 

While Laughton may not bring as much of a scoring prowess as Coleman and Vatrano, he’s nonetheless someone who could add more of an edge, much like what Tyler Bertuzzi will bring. Overall, if the Hawks made a move for a player like Laughton, it would be an underrated but a solid addition. 

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