Anders Sorensen - Feb. 4 Chicago Blackhawks Media Availability

The Chicago Blackhawks may be all but statistically eliminated from the playoffs in 2025, but that doesn't mean the general manager, coach, or players should call it a season. There is lots to do to get the team ready to come back stronger next season as the Blackhawks look to take a step forward towards making playoffs soon.

GM Kyle Davidson has a really important job as there is going to be tons of cap space for the team to use, even when considering future contract extensions to players like Connor Bedard. Chicago can't rely solely on the youth to drag them out of this rebuild, other pieces have to be added.

I'm not talking about most of the veterans brought in last off-season because we have seen how that has turned out. The Blackhawks need players who can make a difference. As potential targets to slot in as the second line center, two younger players with multiple years of NHL experience are likely to get traded and have been linked to the Blackhawks.

The Fourth Period has linked both Dylan Cozens and Trevor Zegras to Chicago and both could very well be moved before the trade deadline this season. The Blackhawks would do better to acquire one of them this season so there are a number of games for them to settle in and potentially find chemistry.

Typically, trades for players with multiple years left on their contracts are easier made in the off-season, but the Blackhawks and both the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks are all out of the playoff race and have cap space to execute something now.

Cozens and Zegras are fairly different players, so it could be a matter of preference for the Blackhawks if they indeed attempt to acquire a second line center.

Cozens is more physical, but has taken a step back offensively each of the past two seasons. At age 21, he scored 31 goals and 68 points, so he has that capability. He is definitely in need of a change in scenery with 10 goals and 26 points in 52 games this season.

Zegras has been in need of a change in scenery for even longer as his back-to-back 23-goal, 60+ point seasons seem so long ago. In reality, injuries and a coach that doesn't mesh well with the type of player he is hasn't bode well for the skilled center the last two seasons. He is also only 23 and has proven that, when healthy and freed up, he can provide lots of scoring.

There are, of course, multiple other teams that are connected to Cozens and Zegras, but the Blackhawks should be near the top of the list for both. They have a need that can be filled and it would help advance them towards playoffs quicker than waiting for many of their prospects to develop into roles waiting to be filled.

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features, and more.

Recent Blackhawks News

Blackhawks Connected to 2 Young Top-6 Centers