NHL Rumors: The AHL Debate, and Will the Chicago Blackhawks Go After A Top-Six?

The 19-year-olds in the AHL debate continues

The ongoing discussion surrounding the eligibility of 19-year-old drafted players in the AHL persists, as the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL) actively seek a compromise. Currently, these players are barred from playing in the AHL. If they are not yet prepared for NHL play, they often opt to join the NCAA, a move that results in NHL teams losing developmental control over them.

NHL clubs are eager to protect and develop these valuable prospects, but the CHL advocates for specific restrictions. The ongoing negotiations focus on details such as limiting eligibility to first-round draft picks and determining whether each NHL team should be allowed to roster one or potentially four such 19-year-olds. Numerous aspects require clarification. The CHL president is expected to address these issues at an upcoming meeting with NHL General Managers, with further negotiations anticipated.

Will the Chicago Blackhawks go after a top-six forward this offseason?

Should the Chicago Blackhawks aim to acquire a top-six forward this offseason, a trade appears to be a more probable route than signing through free agency. While Alex Tuch is considered a top unrestricted free agent, he is widely expected to re-sign with the Buffalo Sabres. If he were to reach the open market, he would undoubtedly attract significant interest from numerous teams. Other notable forwards potentially available include Mason Marchment and Anthony Mantha.

The Blackhawks currently possess a substantial pool of draft picks and prospects, holding 12 selections in the first two rounds across the next three drafts.

Potential trade targets for the Blackhawks could include Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues), Jason Robertson (Dallas Stars), and Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs). Thomas is under contract for five more years with an average annual value of $8.125 million. Robertson, a pending Restricted Free Agent, might be seeking a contract in the range of $10-12 million. Knies, a 23-year-old power forward, has five years remaining on his contract at $7.75 million.

At the recent trade deadline, the Blues' reported asking price for Robert Thomas included a first-round pick, a top prospect, a quality prospect, and a young NHL forward. The Blackhawks could potentially assemble an offer consisting of the Edmonton Oilers' 2027 first-round pick, Ryan Greene, Vaclav Nestrasil, and Gavin Hayes. However, any requests for prospects like Anton Frondell or Roman Kantserov would likely be considered deal-breakers for Chicago.

A critical question remains whether the Blues or Stars would be willing to trade a key player to a divisional rival, and if Thomas would agree to waive his no-trade clause for the Blackhawks.