Kyle Davidson is working the market for the Blackhawks

Chris Johnston reports the Blackhawks have been looking to add forward depth as Kyle Davidson faces mounting pressure to change the roster.

Chicago visits Carolina tonight at 4-12-1, 31st in the NHL, and the team that was supposed to be further along is running out of runway.

Johnston noted that the organization believed it would be contending for a playoff spot by this point in the season. It is nowhere close to that.

The Blackhawks were held to one goal in Thursday night's 4-1 loss at Tampa Bay, their fifth straight defeat. The road numbers are brutal at 0-7-1, and the goal differential sits at -30.

Elliotte Friedman said this week he believes Chicago will try to make some moves, though he did not name a target. He also does not see Davidson as the one on the way out, given the contract extension the GM received earlier this year.

Why a trade may be Chicago's only lever

Friedman added that he does not believe the organization wants to pin the struggles on head coach Jeff Blashill. That keeps the focus on the roster, even as Blashill's Patrick Kane injury update on Monday added another absence to deal with.

Others around the team have noted that questions are being raised about the jobs of both Davidson and Blashill. A trade becomes the most logical route if Davidson is reluctant to fire a third coach.

As for what Chicago wants, Frank Seravalli reported that Davidson has been active in the market looking for shoot-first scoring wingers with size.

The need is real. The Blackhawks have scored 37 goals in 17 games, and a winger who can shoot would help. But they have also allowed 67, and no forward addition fixes that on its own. Adding wingers while that number stands feels like treating half the problem.

Deals are also hard to find at this point in the calendar, and a trade made just for the sake of making one is a risky move. Chicago would not be alone in the market, with Chris Johnston's look at Dylan Larkin's trade market showing how many teams are already circling the few big names available.

For now, Davidson has to wait on a trade market that may not give him what he wants. Tonight in Carolina, Chicago puts a five-game losing streak on the line.

Quick hits

NEW YORK RANGERS: Pavel Dorofeyev is three goals shy of 100 in the NHL, and the Rangers open a four-game West Coast trip in Seattle tonight. A milestone night on the road would be a nice way to start.

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WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Sammi Silber pointed out that Dylan Strome is tied for the Capitals scoring lead and fifth in the NHL in primary assists. Quiet work, loud results.

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CAROLINA HURRICANES: Walt Ruff noted that Jesperi Kotkaniemi has scored all five of his goals in the last 10 games. The wait was long, but the Hurricanes center is finally heating up.

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BOSTON BRUINS: David Pastrnak leads the Bruins into Sunday's game against Florida with 22 points. The 12-4-1 start has plenty of help behind him, which says a lot about the depth.

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ST. LOUIS BLUES: The Blues carry a 3-5-1 road record into Nashville tonight, and Logan Mailloux has just joined them there. Road struggles are the storyline to watch.

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