Seth Jones out the door in Chicago leaves the Blackhawks acquiring an elite Edmonton Oiler

He should keep his eyes peeled on Alberta, as Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. Bouchard is an elite-level defenseman who improved year after year in the NHL.

Last season he was a point-per-game player, scoring 82 points in 82 games with the Oilers.

He is a unicorn for many NHL GMs, as a right-handed defenseman, and one which will become available in 2025-2026, should GM Stan Bowman and the Oilers decide not to pay him.

The Blackhawks could consider offer-sheeting Evan Bouchard, should he make it to NHL free agency.

Kyle Davidson could immediately upgrade the RD position and strengthen the Blackhawks' future by securing Bouchard.

Of course, the Blackhawks would have to back up the Brinks truck, as he could end up being paid more than fellow defenseman Darnell Nurse, whose current AAV is $9.25 Million.

This could result in Kyle Davidson paying upwards of $10.25-$10.75 Million and paying the Oilers two first-round picks, a second-round pick, and a third-round pick for the trouble. But he could be one of the next pieces in the puzzle to ensure Blackhawks are future contenders for the Stanley Cup.

In order to make extra space, and maybe lessen the penalty they could send Seth Jones to Edmonton as well, in order to free up more cap space and add more veteran presence in the Oilers lineup, and allow him to compete for a Stanley Cup much sooner, after a disappointing tenure in Chicago and Columbus.

Source: NY Rangers Insider
The New York Rangers targeting elite defenseman for the 2025-26 season