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

Trade 3:

This one is probably the least realistic but also the one I would like the most for the Hawks. I adore Larkin's game. He is mature, defensively responsible, clutch and all around elite. He really has suffered enough in Detroit, and as it has become abundantly clear that Steve Yzerman, and his patented "Yzerplan" have failed miserably. Watching Yzerman make trades recently has exposed just how terrible he is as a GM. Nothing against him as a human being, but I have to call a spade a spade here.

Making this move for Detroit would signal that they have accepted their reality. That being, that this group will not be getting over the hump and into the playoffs. I just don't think they are ready to admit it yet. But if they were ready to admit it, this would actually be a fantastic return for Larkin. They would have the highest draft pick they've had under Yzerman (which is hard to believe since they've been terrible for so long). They would be able to draft a game changer at third overall and they would be getting Oliver Moore, who is a dynamic offensive player with some of the best skating in the league.

While I still love Moore's potential, Larkin has already realized his potential fully. Larkin is still just 28 years old, and on a very affordable $8.7 million dollar contract through 2031, however he does have a no trade clause.

Larkin is coming off of four straight 30 goal seasons. He could slot in at first line Center, with Bedard moving to his wing, or he could play second line Center giving you an elite 1-2 punch of Bedard and Larkin down the middle for the next half decade. He is the kind of player that quietly helps your team win every time he touches the ice. His impact extends beyond just collecting points, and if there is any way of getting this deal done, it is the one I would most like to see happen.