Next Year

Team: 2023-24 Chicago Blackhawks

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 5, 2023

Published: Mar. 9, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Even if we get the #1 OA and draft Bedard...He'd still (legally) be a child. It's insane how talented he is. I understand why "Tank for Bedard" is a thing, but why are we rushing him onto NHL ice where it's just so much more physical than he's used to. Allow the EXTREMELY talented player time develop and not get hurt. On the team below...who's going to help him anyway?!?!?!

The point of the 3-year contracts is really a lesson from Hagel/Lafferty. Who knows how much Lafferty would have got alone, but it's a low-risk approach. Give them NHL ice time and let's see what happens? Caleb Jones a bit different in my mind. I think he'll look for too much money for the 3-year deal approach. Just a 1-year deal while the younger guys develop.

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Using the chart provided by The Athletic (decent source, but I have my doubts) I think the Hawks move up in the 1st round. Currently the #24 pick (who knows where it ends up at) and the Hawks 2nd...they could get to the #9 or #10 spot. Considering how many 2nds they have...I think they do that for sure. I think they'd even pay up a bit.

I actually think this could be their plan for the next 3 years. A late 1st is not much different than an early 2nd. It really isn't. So...if you have multiple 2nds and can spend superfluous 2nds to go up in the draft...I think there will be willing teams looking to trade back because a team drafting #10 isn't in the Tier 1 or Tier 2 category, BUT two picks from decent quality might entice.

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