David Pagnotta Just Dropped the Bomb: Chicago's Shopping the 4th Pick and It Could Get Messy
The NHL offseason is about to get absolutely wild, and insider David Pagnotta is laying out exactly why the Chicago Blackhawks are in a bind. The team is ready to take the next step and add to their top six, but they're stuck holding the 4th overall pick when they should be making moves. Here's the problem: the Sharks are sitting on the 2nd pick, and while their GM says they'll go best player available, there's speculation they could take a defenseman or even trade that selection. Meanwhile, the Canucks are the open secret play to snag the best center in the draft, Caleb Malholtra. Oh, and yes, there are legit rumors that Matthew Knies could be available from Toronto.
The Knies Question and Why Chicago Might Be Stuck
Pagnotta thinks Knies is the exact profile the Blackhawks need stylistically, age-wise, and contract-wise. The kid is really good. But here's the catch: is he worth the 4th overall pick? Not necessarily. If Stenberg slips to them because San Jose grabs a defenseman, suddenly they have their top six winger for the taking. Knies probably won't be as good as Stenberg long-term. And honestly, would Toronto even deal Knies if they're keeping Matthews and Nylander? Probably not. The guess is the Leafs aren't blowing it up right now. They'll likely run it back with their core and patch up the rest of the roster.
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The Blackhawks' current lineup has obvious holes. Even with Bedard putting up points and potential growth on the backend, it won't get the job done next season. Pagnotta's got one wild proposal: what if Chicago puts together a package of Korch, the 4th pick, and the 34th overall to move up to number 2 and grab Stenberg? The Sharks would get a young defenseman, their choice of who to take at 4, and a high second rounder. It's not guaranteed GM Grier pulls the trigger, but it might be the only real option. Pagnotta is ready for pre-draft fireworks, and honestly, so are we. This could be a straight-up pivotal offseason for how Chicago builds the next few years.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.