Here is the thing, the Blackhawks need guys that shoot the puck if the franchise hopes to turn around one of the worst offenses in the NHL.
Connor Bedard needs more goal scorers around him and the Hawks, despite their off-ice issues, seem like a prime environment to welcome in Laine. Plus, it is not like the Blackhawks' future is nothing but dark days from here on out.
Laine wanting to go to a contender is not going to be completely within his control. He has a limited no-movement clause. Laine can put the Blackhawks on that 10-team list because they have been a loser. At the same time, he can go to Chicago, play with Bedard, and rebuild his value in time to hit free agency when he is 28.