Blackhawks and Oilers Could Help Each Other Out in a Trade

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Cameron
December 10, 2022 (11:46)

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The Blackhawks have been struggling pretty much this entire season except for their mini 4 game win streak at the beginning of the season. Despite the struggles, there's been a unique trait with the Hawks where they've been able to give life to players that never really succeeded - take Andreas Athanasiou for example. With that being said, perhaps the Hawks can make a trade for a struggling Oiler and give him some fresh air and a second chance.

The Blackhawks should consider trading for Jesse Puljujarvi. Puljujarvi is a young, big RW that could use a fresh start. At only 24 years old, Puljujarvi still has plenty of hockey to play in his career, but right now things are not going well for him in Edmonton. Sitting at 28 games with only 1 goal and 5 assists has left Puljujarvi frustrated with his play. Puljujarvi's frustration was voiced to Finnish writer, Tommi Seppala when he said, «twenty games in and i have one goal. It's sad.»

So why should the Blackhawks trade for him? For starters, he'd be a cheap trade. Elliotte Friedman stated that Edmonton tried to move him, but did not feel they would get a fair return. Now the oilers will likely have to trade him for the best deal possible. End result? Cheap trade. Another reason for the hawks to trade for him would be the possible upside. Perhaps Puljujarvi does come to Chicago and starts to perform well. If that's the case, Chicago could move him at the deadline and flip him for a higher draft or perhaps even a prospect. Giving a player a fresh start can be a difference maker - just look at Kirby Dach and Dominik Kubalik.

Should the Blackhawks explore this trade? Yes. Give up a late round pick in exchange for a player that adds to the tank, or a player that gets flipped for a higher draft pick than they originally had. To most people, this is a low risk high reward situation - especially if the Oilers become desperate to move him.