Should the Blackhawks Claim This Former-All Star Rookie from the Carolina Hurricanes?

The Chicago Blackhawks could profit from the Carolina Hurricanes' hubris today, as the team has placed Ty Smith on waivers.

If Smith clears waivers today he'd have to report to the AHL's Chicago Wolves and continue the great season he's been on in the minors.

Ty Smith was drafted by the New Jersey Devils 17th overall in 2018, and has yet to crack an NHL roster. This could be due to the pressures of developing in the NHL, along with the fact defensemen take longer to mature than forwards.

Fast forward to 2025, and Smith has put up 10 points ( 3 G, 7 A ) in 13 games with the Wolves in the AHL.

He'd get a call-up in the NHL and played 8 games with the Hurricanes this season and scored 2 points ( 1 G, 1 A ) and after the win against the Canucks he was waived.

The Blackhawks could add him to their defensive depth in the AHL with a cheap $775K league-minimum deal.

He had two great seasons in the NHL, as his rookie season in the NHL saw him post 23 points ( 2 G, 21 A ) in 48 games with the New Jersey Devils, and was pegged to be one of the top prospects in the league.

He'd follow with 20 points( 5 G, 15 A ) in 66 games and then just fall off the radar of everyone in the league.

In 2023-2024 he'd be a part of the package deal that sent Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes.

With Smith's cheap contract, he could be an additional piece to add in Rockford, who are known for developing great defenseman like Alex Vlasic.

Not to mention that he's 24 years old and could fit the Blackhawks' rebuild timeline.

With the Blackhawks dealing with the potential loss of veteran UFAs this offseason, you could re-fill your pipeline and promote the right prospects to the NHL.