Connor McDavid has entered Jeff Blashill's long-term picture as Chicago quietly monitors his future in Edmonton.
Scott Powers reports that the Blackhawks believe they could build a serious offer if McDavid becomes available.
That possibility remains years away. McDavid signed a two-year, $25,000,000 extension with Edmonton and can reach unrestricted free agency in 2028.
There is no indication that he has requested a trade or decided to leave the Oilers. Chicago is preparing for a possible opening, not negotiating an active deal.
The timing explains the interest. Kyle Davidson has collected young talent around Connor Bedard while protecting future salary-cap flexibility.
Chicago reportedly has only 4 players under contract entering 2028-29. That could leave enough room to pursue McDavid without dismantling the entire roster.
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Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard could become the NHL's next superteam
The Blackhawks would still need their prospects to develop quickly. McDavid has made winning his priority, and a rebuilding club wouldn't offer the destination he would likely seek.
Bedard gives Chicago its strongest selling point. Pairing the 2 centres would instantly reshape the lineup and create a foundation few teams could match.
Frank Nazar, Alex Vlasic, Sam Rinzel and Artyom Levshunov are among the young players who could determine whether Chicago becomes a legitimate contender by 2028.
Davidson must also keep enough talent after any trade. Acquiring McDavid would lose much of its value if the Blackhawks emptied the roster required to support him.
Free agency would present a different route, but Chicago would compete with several teams able to offer money, strong rosters and immediate championship chances.
Edmonton still controls the current story. McDavid could win with the Oilers, sign another extension and end this discussion long before Chicago gets its opportunity.
The Blackhawks are simply making sure they're prepared if the door opens. Their cap space, prospect depth and Bedard-led core could place them in a rare position.
Nothing is close, and no blockbuster is guaranteed. But Chicago's long-term planning now carries an unmistakable target: becoming strong enough and flexible enough to chase Connor McDavid in 2028.
Source : One surprising NHL contender prepares for a Connor McDavid blockbuster
Could Connor McDavid seriously choose Chicago in 2028?
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