Transaction brewing to get Connor Bedard perfect winger on Hawks’ top line!

Changes are coming across the National Hockey League, but a significant one could happen in Chicago. That’s because there are high possibilities of star forward Jake Guentzel testing free agency this summer, and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman strongly believes the Blackhawks will look to bring him on board to become Connor Bedard’s winger on the top line.
Friedman explained on the 32 Thoughts podcast with Jeff Marek how he believes the pending free agent on the Carolina Hurricanes roster would be “the kind of player” the Blackhawks target.

He also thinks the Hawks could have the advantage since they could offer the opportunity for Guentzel to move back closer to home.

“Guentzel is a midwest guy. Chicago is a midwest location. [The Blackhawks] realize they have to move things forward and they have to begin surrounding Bedard with some players. I’m going with Chicago because of the proximity to where Guentzel is from.”

It has been projected that Guentzel could get a massive six year deal at $8 million annually as a free agent. While the star forward would probably love a reunion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, it looks unlikely.

However, in Chicago, they have the cash to make Guentzel a massive offer. The only issue may arise from his age, as the star winger will turn 30 around the start of the 2024-25 regular season and possibly, the Blackhawks could want to take a look at someone younger, maybe in Carolina, in Martin Necas.

It’s been made clear that the Blackhawks need to surround Bedard with better players, and Guentzel, who scored 30 goals in 67 games between Pittsburgh and Carolina could be just what the first overall pick in 2023 needs.

However, if Chicago cannot offer him the term on a lucrative deal, the Hawks could lose out on the perfect winger for Bedard.