Should the Blackhawks inquire about Jason Robertson?

Okay, I recently covered whether or not the Blackhawks should inquire and make a move for Matthew Knies, so why not cover another superstar in the rumor mill? This time, I will cover Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars. The price is high for this one.

The odds of an NHL first-round draft pick making the NHL are between 71 and 92 percent; obviously, the probability increases based on how high up the player was taken. The Chicago Blackhawks have multiple former first-rounders in the prospect pool, as well as multiple first-round draft picks in the coming drafts. Say what you want about Kyle Davidson's patience, but he has stockpiled his assets and can make multiple moves if he wants to.

Not every player will make the NHL roster for their expected position, i.e., top-four defenseman or top-six forward. You can try to change someone's trajectory towards a role that fits the team (e.g., from a skill guy to a two-way forward), but this usually doesn't work. Their natural talent will always outclass something taught. The Blackhawks only have six top-six spots and six bottom-six spots, and, for example, Nick Lardis is not a bottom-six guy. What should you do with him?

I am starting to see the need to make moves for guaranteed (as much as you can get in the NHL) top forwards. While Anton Frondell and Roman Kansterov are untouchable, I'm starting to wonder if they really are untouchable when Martin Necas was expendable for Mikko Rantanen last season. Robertson is also an ideal linemate for Connor Bedard, possessing speed, skill, and a great shot. Placing Kantserov or Frondell on the other side of Bedard could work wonders.

What is the price for Jason Robertson?

So far, I've heard that the Dallas Stars are looking for a one-for-one deal for a player with similar production to Robertson's. I've heard some things about a Robertson-for-Brady Tkachuck one-for-one move. I've also heard that a mix of prospects and picks could be accepted. The Blackhawks do not have any established players in the lineup that the Stars would consider, aside from Bedard, in a one-for-one swap, so the second option comes into play.

I could see the Blackhawks parting with one of Kansterov or Frondell, Ryan Greene, and the 2026 Florida first. The thing here is that the Stars may not have much of a choice but to part with Robertson, and there aren't many teams that can match the price they may be asking. That leaves the Blackhawks with some leverage in the trade discussions, and they could add to this package also if the Stars aren't convinced. Either way, it's a great chance for the Blackhawks to take advantage of a division rival in a tough spot.