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

The Debate Over 19-Year-Olds in the AHL Continues

The ongoing discussion between the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL) concerns the eligibility of 19-year-old drafted players for the American Hockey League (AHL). Currently, these players are not permitted to play in the AHL; if they aren't deemed ready for the NHL, they often opt for the NCAA collegiate system, which results in NHL teams losing crucial developmental oversight.

NHL teams are seeking to better protect and develop these young talents. However, the CHL is advocating for certain restrictions, suggesting potential compromises like limiting AHL eligibility to only first-round draft picks, or allowing each NHL club a specific number (e.g., one or four) of 19-year-olds in the AHL. Several intricate details need to be finalized, and discussions are expected to continue at upcoming General Manager meetings, with no immediate conclusion anticipated.

Will the Chicago Blackhawks Pursue a Top-Six Forward This Offseason?

The Chicago Blackhawks' most likely path to acquiring a top-six forward this offseason appears to be through trade rather than free agency. While Alex Tuch is considered a prime free-agent target, his availability is uncertain, and if he reaches the open market, competition would be intense. Other potential free-agent forwards mentioned include Mason Marchment and Anthony Mantha.

The Blackhawks possess a wealth of future assets, holding 12 picks in the first two rounds across the next three NHL drafts, along with numerous promising prospects. This strong prospect pool and draft capital position them well for trade negotiations.

Potential trade targets for Chicago include Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues), Jason Robertson (Dallas Stars), and Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs). Thomas is under contract for five more years at an average annual value (AAV) of $8.125 million. Robertson, a restricted free agent (RFA), might command a salary in the $10-12 million range. Knies, a 23-year-old power forward, also has five years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $7.75 million.

The St. Louis Blues previously sought a substantial package for Thomas, including a first-round pick, a top prospect, another quality prospect, and a young NHL forward. The Blackhawks could potentially offer their 2027 first-round pick (acquired from the Oilers), along with prospects like Ryan Greene, Vaclav Nestrasil, and Gavin Hayes. However, including high-value prospects such as Anton Frondell or Roman Kantserov would likely be non-starters for Chicago.

Significant hurdles remain, including the willingness of divisional rivals like the Blues or Stars to trade with Chicago, and whether players like Thomas would agree to waive their no-trade clauses for the Blackhawks.