Connor Bedard (Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a0f3f572-506d-4f58-8bcc-c73535f61e70.jpeg] Connor Bedard (Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images) The Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks finished at the bottom of the NHL this season, but both have plenty of great young talent and are working to become contenders for a long time. That isn't going to be a short journey and each needs the right pieces. There seems to be some higher thinking going on ahead of the draft lottery to help the Sharks get there. Sheng Peng reported that Sharks' GM Mike Grier said he is willing to entertain offers for the first overall pick in the 2025 draft if San Jose were to win it. The Sharks drafted Macklin Celebrini last year and could very well move back for a little extra. While moving back a few spots in the draft is a more likely possibility to get some extra value, the Blackhawks, who may pick right behind the Sharks this season in the draft could offer up an interesting trade. Teams may be focusing on how to move up in this draft with their current picks and players, but the Sharks may be intrigued by an offer that includes the Blackhawks' unprotected first round pick next season. Chicago isn't expected to be much better next season, so they should still have a shot at winning the draft lottery again next year. This would give the Blackhawks two assumed top-4 picks in the 2025 draft to progress the rebuild quicker and the Sharks would get two shots at Gavin McKenna next year. The Blackhawks would of course love to draft McKenna as well, but it's a percentage game and nothing is for certain. The only problem I potentially see with the Blackhawks having the first and possibly second overall picks this season is that Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman, is widely regarded as the best player in the draft. Chicago doesn't need any more defensemen with Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, Kevin Korchinski, Alex Vlasic, Ethan Del Mastro, Nolan Allan, Wyatt Kaiser, and even Louis Crevier. While it wouldn't make a ton of sense to draft Schaefer, it is best to draft the best player available and work things out later. I think it could be a possibility since Michael Misa and James Hagens are there, but also a shot at McKenna next year for the Blackhawks may just be too good to pass up. A 1-2 punch of McKenna and Connor Bedard would more than likely lead to a Stanley Cup down the line. Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/] team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features, and more.
