Blackhawks Eye Elias Pettersson to Pair with Connor Bedard in Bold Rebuild

Since selecting Connor Bedard as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks have worked tirelessly to build a competitive roster around their budding superstar. However, the results have fallen short of expectations, with the team languishing at the bottom of the NHL standings with just 31 points through 45 games this season.

Despite adding veterans like Taylor Hall, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Teuvo Teravainen to bolster the offense, the makeshift approach has not produced the desired results. With Hall now rumored to be on the trade block, the Blackhawks appear ready to pivot toward a more sustainable rebuilding strategy.

A Trade That Could Transform Chicago’s Rebuild

General Manager Kyle Davidson faces a critical decision: should he leverage the Blackhawks’ assets—including two first-round picks in the upcoming draft and another in 2026—to acquire a player who can accelerate the team’s rebuilding process?

One name generating buzz is Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson. According to reports, Canucks GM Patrik Allvin is open to taking calls on Pettersson, despite his status as a franchise cornerstone.

Pettersson, under contract through 2031-32 with an $11.6 million annual cap hit, could become a bargain as the NHL’s salary cap continues to rise. While his production has dipped this season—10 goals and 29 points through 38 games—his elite playmaking and finishing abilities remain undeniable. Pettersson’s past performances include a 102-point campaign in 2022-23 and 89 points last season, showcasing his capability as one of the league’s premier offensive threats.

The Perfect Partner for Bedard

Pettersson’s skill set would complement Bedard’s perfectly. His vision and creativity could unlock Bedard’s lethal shot, creating a dynamic duo capable of terrorizing defenses. Pairing the two would provide the Blackhawks with a foundation to build around for years to come.

What Would It Take?

Acquiring Pettersson won’t come cheap. The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus recently proposed a package that includes up-and-coming forward Frank Nazar, defenseman Kevin Korchinski, and a first-round pick acquired from Toronto. While steep, it might not be enough to sway Vancouver, given Pettersson’s immense value. Adding a second-round pick or another top prospect could sweeten the deal.

Why Chicago Should Act Now

Waiting for prospects to develop or relying solely on draft picks could mean years of losing seasons, which risks alienating fans and frustrating Bedard. Trading for Pettersson wouldn’t make the Blackhawks instant contenders, but it would create a more cohesive and competitive core while keeping Bedard engaged and optimistic about the franchise’s direction.

As Pettersson’s no-trade clause doesn’t kick in until July 1, the clock is ticking for interested teams to make a move. Chicago has the assets and the need to make a bold play.

Conclusion

Connor Bedard is the centerpiece of the Blackhawks’ rebuild, but one star alone won’t carry the team back to glory. By adding a young, established player like Elias Pettersson, Chicago can fast-track its rebuild and inject excitement into a proud, big-market franchise.

For Davidson, the question isn’t whether the Blackhawks can afford to trade for Pettersson—it’s whether they can afford not to.