Blackhawks smacked with harsh reality check amid new trade buzz

The Chicago Blackhawks are entering a critical offseason in which the right moves could potentially elevate them into playoff contention next year, and they have the assets to make that happen.

The Blackhawks have a nice chunk of cap space, are loaded with current and future draft capital and possess a host of young players they could dangle in trade packages. Of course, execution is the key here.

Chicago will need to ensure it makes the most of its situation this summer, so it will have to add the right pieces rather than just going for broke and attempting to fill all of its needs within several weeks.

The Blackhawks have already been linked to a handful of big-name free agents and potential trade targets, and everyday, it seems like a new possibility is identified for the team. The newest shiny toy? Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin, who has surprisingly requested a trade.

But should Chicago actually get involved? Ron Luce of On Tap Sports Net doesn’t seem to think it’s all that realistic.

Chicago Blackhawks probably won’t be acquiring Dylan Larkin

Many Blackhawks fans have already connected Larkin to their squad, but Luce doesn’t see the fit.

“Simply, Larkin doesn’t fit the Blackhawks’ timeline. He is 30 years old, and although he’d be a great addition to the top six, he will be past his prime when the Hawks are truly competitive. Realistically, any of the playoff teams from this season are the most-likely destinations for a player like Larkin,” Luce wrote.

Larkin scored 34 goals and tallied 33 assists for the Red Wings this season and has spent his entire career in Detroit, making his NHL debut back in 2015. He has made a pair of All-Star teams and would unquestionably represent an interesting partner for Connor Bedard up front.

But it just doesn’t make a ton of sense.

“Nonetheless, the Blackhawks will not be in the Dylan Larkin sweepstakes, if there is one. It’s a fun thought, but it simply doesn’t make sense. Hopefully this doesn’t burst too many Blackhawks fan bubbles,” Luce added.

Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean Chicago won’t be in the mix for some other top players on the trade market, such as Jason Robertson and Matthew Knies. Both of those players fit the Blackhawks’ timeline quite a bit better. But Larkin probably isn’t the best fit.

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