The Chicago Blackhawks Need to Take a Chance on This Vancouver Forward

The Chicago Blackhawks have the chance to acquire a superstar from Vancouver to finally take the shot at improving their roster. Recent reports from Frank Seravalli have Elias Pettersson on the trading block, as he has not lived up to his contract. Pettersson has six years remaining at $11.6 million per season. This could prove to be huge for the Blackhawks if able to acquire the Swedish forward.

A risk, they should be willing to take

Taking on Pettersson is a massive chance that the Blackhawks should be willing to take. Although the past few seasons have not gone the way many expected, a change of scenery could be what Pettersson needs. He is a proven forward who has faced a ton of pressure and backlash. If put in the right situation, we could see Pettersson become the player he once was.

This is a trade that makes sense on both sides. With the Canucks entering a rebuild, it may be time to move on from their once-was superstar. The Blackhawks are nearing the end of their rebuild and are looking for a few more missing pieces. If the Hawks were able to bring in Pettersson, I could see him slotted on the wing next to Connor Bedard or alongside Frank Nazar. Both are young players with a ton of speed and skill, which could be complemented by Pettersson. In Bedard's early career with the Blackhawks, the management staff has been unable to find someone to elevate his game. He is often the driving force of the line, with little to no help around him.

The good and the bad with Pettersson

The downside of acquiring Pettersson is his recent play and the question of whether a change of scenery and players is enough to turn things around. He obviously has a lot of skill and talent that can propel any team, but his price tag can seem overwhelming. He is nowhere near the player he once was, who earned him that contract. But there is a glimmer of hope that Pettersson can rediscover his game, and if he can do so in Chicago, that would be a massive step forward toward contending for the playoffs.

As the Pettersson rumours continue to progress, it will be interesting to see if the Blackhawks emerge as a top contender to acquire the Swedish native.