The Chicago Blackhawks have been linked to rumors, as free agency and the NHL Draft near. General Manager Kyle Davidson has made clear the intention of rebuilding the organization, and hoping to become competitive again, and soon. 

The market has struggled in recent years following a successful 2010’s dynasty. The center piece of that dynasty, Patrick Kane, famously left Chicago in the 2022-2023 season, when he joined the New York Rangers prior to the trade deadline, in hopes of winning his fourth Stanley Cup. Davidson recently stated, “I think we made some really tough decisions on some longstanding players. I don’t foresee us going back on that” (Ben Pope, Chicago Sun-Times). There was some speculation that Kane could rejoin the Blackhawks in free agency this year, but Davidson essentially shut that down. The Blackhawks decisions lead fans to believe they intend to become competitive through young talent.

The Blackhawks hold the second overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and many reports foresee them taking Artyom Levshunov. On June 6th, Leshunov was taken to dinner and a formal interview by Blackhawks staff. Leshunov is a 6’2” and 210lb defenseman from Belarus. Last season, he played for Michigan State (NCAA, B1G) and recorded 9 goals and 35 points in 38 games. His team won the B1G Championship, and went to the regional final of the NCAA tournament. Leshunov earned All-American honors, B1G Defensive Player of the Year, B1G Freshman of the Year, and was a Hobey Baker nominee. Many mock drafts and rankings have him being taken within the top 5 picks.

Both of these pieces of news indicate Davidson is sticking to his word, making the team competitive through new, young talent. The NHL Draft takes place June 28th 8pm CT, at the Sphere in Las Vegas.