Blackhawks might sign ideal linemate for Connor Bedard

The free agent class of this summer is quite interesting and the Chicago Blackhawks might be rebuilding, but with generational talent and projected first overall pick Connor Bedard joining the club shortly, there is a sense that some star unrestricted free agents will be interested in coming to the Windy City.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman therefore believes that the Hawks might have targeted one top free agent and ponders if Chicago will attempt to sign Vladimir Tarasenko this offseason. He thinks that Blackhawks management could lock the veteran forward on a short-term deal to play with Bedard. Friedman did not mention how much money it would take for the Blackhawks to sign Tarasenko.

Tarasenko is entering free agency after more than 10 seasons in St. Louis with a short stay in New York City. At this year’s deadline, the Russian forward was traded to the Rangers as a part of their playoff push. However, the Blue Shirts failed in their postseason run and were ousted in Round 1 by the New Jersey Devils.

Tarasenko’s last contact paid him an AAV of $7.5 million and he’ll likely look for a similar number. He might be hard for him to get this amount and he could be interested in a short-term contract at this stage of his career.

However, I’d completely understand if he were to seek a deal with a contender rather than going to Chicago were the road to glory remains long…

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