Blackhawks seeking veteran help for Bedard?
With the draft only three weeks away, Blackhawks fans getting giddy that they will be drafting one of the best players since Connor McDavid, the question now being asked by the fanbase is who do you pair Bedard with on the top line?
It's a question that will be on general manager Kyle Davidson's mind as he begins rebuilding this team's construction including eight draft choices in the first three rounds and $41 million in cap space. With that kind of draft capital and money, the Blackhawks could technically build two teams with what they have.
The Blackhawks currently have centerman Tyler Johnson as their most experienced player on their forward lines at the age of 32 and he holds a $5 million cap hit. He will be a free agent after next season including every other forward they have in their lineup, literally. It's truly remarkable to see as in I've never seen this before from any NHL franchise.
Some have suggested that Johnson would be the ideal candidate to help Bedard and be paired up with him. In my view, I disagree. Johnson is constantly in injury trouble and can never finish the season. Last season he only played 56 games, scored twelve goals with 20 assists for 32 points and was a disastrous minus -21. I don't feel he would offer the proper guidance for this upcoming superstar.
I feel the Blackhawks can probably acquire new talent available on the unrestricted free-agent market or through trade to help Bedard build this new team. I also expect many free agents to want to have a chance to play with Bedard along his wing or on other lines.
It's unprecedented times in Blackhawks nation. The fanbase eagerly awaits what will happen to the team as it transforms from the Jonathan Toews era into Bedard's.
| POLL | ||
Will Bedard benefit playing with Tyler Johnson? | ||
| Yes | 121 | 49.4 % |
| No | 124 | 50.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
