It’s the 2025 NHL Draft week (June 27), and as usual, the Chicago Blackhawks are the team to watch. Because they have a lot of draft capital (15 picks in the first three rounds of the next three drafts). They have 10 draft picks in the 2025 draft alone.
It would be wise for them to part with some of these picks for assets, and it looks like that is what general manager Kyle Davidson is exploring.
There are two names they have been linked to on the trade market: JJ Peterka and Rickard Rakell.
JJ Peterka
Let’s start with JJ Peterka because he is one of the hottest names on the trade market and, on paper, looks like a perfect Blackhawks target.
The 23-year-old Buffalo Sabres restricted free agent forward had a breakout year with 68 points in 77 games. He had 50 points the previous year, so he just keeps improving. Also, that production is hard to overlook on a struggling team like the Sabres.
According to reports, the Sabres don’t want to part with Peterka, but they are listening. However, the situation might be more dire as insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Peterka is unhappy in Buffalo and would welcome moving in another direction.
Here is where the Blackhawks come in. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff mentioned that the Blackhawks pushed for Peterka, and even touted their third overall pick to Buffalo, but that talks haven’t gained much traction. He noted that Buffalo wants immediate help back, not just picks.
That is where things get tricky. The Blackhawks don’t have many roster players they are likely willing to deal, and if they are, they’re difficult to move.
Chicago could tout Jason Dickinson, who has one year left on his contract, but they also need him for center depth. They could also consider moving Lukas Reichel or Connor Murphy. Part of Seravalli’s report mentioned that the Sabres are looking for a right-shot defenseman. But again, I’m not sure how eager they are to move Murphy right now, since he is the veteran presence on a young defense core.
If Buffalo wants more than what Chicago can or will give, it’s a long shot. But someone like Peterka is precisely what the Hawks need as they value their youth movement- a young, fast, top-six point producer that can complement players like Connor Bedard.
Rickard Rakell
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