Three Trade Options For the Blackhawks with the 3rd Overall Pick

Trade 2:

Connor Bedard has long maintained that he loves Barzal's game and that he would love to play with such a player.

So, why not make it happen? Barzal is a dynamic two way player who would complement Bedard very well. However, he isn't quite in the tier of Pastrnak so I think the price could be a bit less. The Islanders are obviously in need of changes as they seem to consistently achieve mediocrity. Similarly to the Bruins, this trade would help the Islanders to totally jumpstart their future. They already have the first overall pick, and will likely select the top defenseman in Matthew Shaefer, but this would give them the chance to draft one of the top forwards in the draft as well. Maybe they can take Long Island boy James Hagens? Suddenly this makes a ton of sense for the Islanders.

For the Hawks, I think this would be a very exciting trade to make because as I mentioned Barzal and Bedard would have instant chemistry, and finding Bedard consistent linemates has proved impossible through two seasons. If they acquire Barzal and play him alongside Bedard, and he helps Bedard to get up to a point per game level or beyond, then this would be a massive win.

Barzal is 27 years old and on a secure long term deal making $9.15 million dollars per season. That price is totally reasonable for what he can provide on the ice. He does have a partial no movement clause so the Hawks may have to convince him that the time is right to jump ship and join an ascending team rather than the perpetually mediocre Isles.

The only thing that would scare me a bit here is Barzal's extensive injury history. For a relatively young player he has missed a lot of time. But the Hawks have a world class training staff and as is the case in the modern NHL, long term injured reserve is an easily exploitable loophole to weasel out of any bad contract situation.