5 Players to Consider if Blackhawks Are Leveraging Trade Market for Middle-6 Help

The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly working the phones as the NHL's offseason frenzy picks up steam. Kyle Davidson's objective is to acquire top- and middle-six forward help via the trade market. If that's the case, quite a few names could fit the bill.

The Blackhawks have already been linked to several players this offseason, and we've already analyzed some other names that they can explore to help bolster their top six. Now, we'll examine some forwards who could help improve Chicago's middle six.

Middle-Six Help

Getting solid middle-six players is usually an easier thing to do in free agency than acquiring top-six talent. However, those players usually receive paydays that make them overpriced, and while that might be ok for the Blackhawks this summer, it isn't always good for other teams. With that in mind, Kyle Davidson can take some of those contracts and help other teams free up salary cap space to improve in other areas.

With that idea in mind, here are five players the Blackhawks could consider to improve their middle-six forward group.

Scott Laughton, Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia enters the offseason with limited salary cap space and a lot of money on the books for some long-term contracts. With the Flyers needing to create space and free up some dollars, some short-term contracts can probably be had for minimal capital.

For the Blackhawks, Laughton would be a lovely addition to the middle six. Playing both wing and center, Laughton had a fairly strong season in 2023-24. The veteran's 39 points (13 goals, 26 assists) were good for sixth on the team, and he's a respectable scorer despite only making $3 million AAV over the next two seasons.

Laughton could insert nicely into the second or third line at the center spot. Although he and Jason Dickinson are similar players, the depth would still benefit the Hawks if they decide to pull the trigger on a move.

Morgan Frost, Philadelphia Flyers

Going back to the City of Brotherly Love, another name that could make sense for the Blackhawks is forward Morgan Frost. Frost tallied 41 points (13 goals, 28 assists) despite only playing in 71 games. The young winger and head coach John Tortorella had a reportedly strained relationship that they were working to mend . With that in mind, could a fresh start for Frost, who has one year remaining on his current deal, be in the cards?

Frost fits the profile of what the Hawks want. He'd be a cost-controlled player with youth and high upside. Freshly 25 years of age, Frost would easily fit in among Chicago's core. Additionally, Philadelphia could use more draft picks to continue turning things around, meaning the Blackhawks could be the perfect trade partner.

It may be a stretch, but with the history and fit, Frost makes sense.

Tanner Jeannot, Tampa Bay Lightning

Only $5 million in cap space and a burning desire to bring back captain Steven Stamkos could force the Lightning to part ways with several short-term contracts. The Bolts re-acquired Ryan McDonough earlier this summer to bolster their blue line, leaving minimal space to continue improving their roster in the short term. The future core is locked up, leaving minimal salary cap space to build around them.

Jeannot burst onto the scene with the Nashville Predators in 2021-22. A 24-goal, 41-point campaign garnered the attention of many around the league. After a monster COVID-shortened season, Jeannot put up back-to-back quality campaigns. Then, the Lightning traded tons of picks to get him, and he has yet to live up to that price Tampa Bay once paid.

Now, with one season remaining at $2.665 million, Jeannot could be a candidate to move. The Blackhawks could give the Bolts a draft pick, which they have very few of. As of this writing, the Tampa Bay doesn't pick until the fourth round of the 2024 NHL Draft.

Enter the Hawks. Jeannot would look nice in the middle six for one season, then the team could make a decision on his future. Again, this could be a long shot given the capital the Bolts gave up to acquire Jeannot, but you never know unless you try.

Brandon Saad, St. Louis Blues

FAMILIAR FACE ALERT! Brandon Saad and the St. Louis Blues are at an impasse. The franchise reportedly wants to shed salary and switch up their roster a bit, but so many players have no-trade or no-move clauses. In Saad's case, wouldn't returning to Chicago be fun?

The Blues don't HAVE to move Saad, but there are reports that he's an asset they'd trade. With two seasons at $4.5 million against the cap, the 31-year-old is a prime candidate to move. He's also a fit for what Kyle Davidson is looking for this offseason in terms of skill and contract.

Saad is coming off the second-best goal-scoring season of his career with 26 tucks . Although Saad has never surpassed the 55-point plateau, Saad is a valuable scorer for any team. Factor in that he could still play top-six minutes, and this could be a good value for the Blackhawks.

Unfortunately, trading in the division is rare. However, if Chicago meets a fair price for the aging winger, it could be a slam dunk. Also, I'd selfishly love Saad back in a Blackhawks jersey.

Ross Colton, Colorado Avalanche

Once again, trades in the division are rare. That said, the Blackhawks dealt Brandon Saad to Colorado ahead of the COVID-shortened season, so who says it can't happen again?

Per recent reports from Daily Faceoff, Colton is a candidate to be moved as the Avs look to reload. Colton was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning before the 2023-24 season and put up respectable totals in Denver with 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 80 games. The 27-year-old has three seasons at $4 million per year remaining on his contract, meeting another requirement for Kyle Davidson's likes.

Although not a huge scorer, Colton is the type of player who could make an impact given the right opportunity. Chicago's roster would give Colton a chance to play more often in the top six than not. Perhaps Davidson takes a chance on a player with some additional potential.

What's On Tap Next?

The 2024 NHL Draft is right around the corner. The Stanley Cup Final has a chance to conclude on Friday if the Florida Panthers can knock off the Edmonton Oilers. If not, a Game 7 on Monday would wrap up the series and the 2023-24 NHL season.

The NHL Draft begins on Friday, June 28, and the Blackhawks are on the clock at No. 2. With eight total picks, including six in the first three rounds, Kyle Davidson is looking to continue stashing talent in his prospect cupboard.

From there, NHL free agency begins on July 1.

Related: 5 Players to Consider if Blackhawks Are Leveraging Trade Market for Top-6 Help

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