NHL Rumors: The AHL Debate, and Will the Chicago Blackhawks Go After A Top-Six?

The 19-year-olds in the AHL debate continues

The discussion surrounding the eligibility of 19-year-old drafted players in the AHL continues, as the CHL and NHL seek a resolution. Currently, these players are not permitted to play in the AHL, presenting a dilemma for NHL teams. If a 19-year-old prospect isn't ready for the NHL, their alternative is often the NCAA, where NHL clubs lose direct developmental oversight.

NHL teams are eager to protect and develop these valuable prospects within their systems. However, the CHL is advocating for certain restrictions to be put in place. Points of negotiation include whether only first-round draft picks would be granted an allowance, and the specific number of 19-year-olds each NHL team could send to the AHL (e.g., one or four).

A definitive conclusion is not yet in sight, but more negotiations are expected. The president of the CHL will be attending upcoming GM meetings, suggesting further discussions are on the horizon.

Will the Chicago Blackhawks go after a top-six forward this offseason?

The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly considering acquiring a top-six forward this offseason, with a trade appearing to be a more viable option than free agency. While Alex Tuch stands out as a top unrestricted free agent forward, he is expected to either re-sign with the Buffalo Sabres or attract significant interest from numerous teams if he reaches the open market. Other potential UFA forwards like Mason Marchment and Anthony Mantha might not offer the desired impact.

The Blackhawks possess significant assets for a trade, holding 12 picks in the first two rounds across the next three NHL drafts. This strong draft capital could be leveraged to secure an impactful player.

Several potential trade targets have been identified: Robert Thomas from the St. Louis Blues, Jason Robertson from the Dallas Stars, and Matthew Knies from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Thomas has five years remaining on his contract at an average annual value (AAV) of $8.125 million. Robertson is a pending restricted free agent (RFA) who could command a contract in the $10-12 million range. Knies, a 23-year-old power forward, also has five years left on his deal at an AAV of $7.75 million.

At a previous trade deadline, the Blues' asking price for Robert Thomas reportedly included a first-round pick, a top prospect, a quality prospect, and a young NHL forward. A hypothetical Blackhawks offer could involve their 2027 first-round pick (acquired from the Oilers), along with prospects like Ryan Greene, Vaclav Nestrasil, and Gavin Hayes. However, an ask for prospects such as Anton Frondell or Roman Kantserov would likely be a deal-breaker for Chicago.

Complicating any potential deal are questions of whether divisional rivals like the Blues or Stars would be willing to trade a key player to the Blackhawks, and whether a player like Thomas would agree to waive any no-trade clauses for Chicago.