The Chicago Blackhawks are heading into the 2025 NHL Draft week with a clear objective: to accelerate their rebuild. Possessing a significant amount of draft capital, including 10 picks in the 2025 draft alone, General Manager Kyle Davidson is reportedly exploring options to convert some of those future assets into immediate talent. Two names that have consistently surfaced in connection with the Blackhawks are Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell.
JJ Peterka, a 23-year-old restricted free agent, is garnering considerable attention across the league. Coming off a breakout season with 68 points in 77 games, Peterka has demonstrated consistent improvement, increasing his point total by 18 in each of the past two seasons. Despite the Sabres' initial reluctance to trade him, reports suggest that Peterka may be open to a change of scenery, potentially making him a prime target for the Blackhawks.
Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported that the Blackhawks have made a significant push for Peterka, even suggesting that they offered their third overall pick in exchange. However, these talks have reportedly stalled, as the Sabres are seeking immediate roster help rather than future assets. This presents a challenge for the Blackhawks, who may be hesitant to part with established players. Potential trade chips could include Jason Dickinson, who provides valuable center depth, or perhaps Lukas Reichel or Connor Murphy. The Sabres' reported interest in a right-shot defenseman could further complicate negotiations.
Several other teams, including the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Tampa Bay Lightning, have also expressed interest in Peterka, increasing the competition for his services. Some reports indicate that the Sabres' asking price for Peterka is high, reflecting his value as a young, dynamic forward with considerable upside.
Rickard Rakell, a 31-year-old forward currently with the Pittsburgh Penguins, is another player who could potentially fit into the Blackhawks' plans. Rakell has a proven track record as a top-six forward, and while he carries a $5 million annual cap hit for the next three seasons, this could be a worthwhile investment if he continues to produce at a high level.
Rakell has been the subject of trade rumors in the past, and the Penguins were reportedly listening to offers for him leading up to the trade deadline. Although a deal did not materialize at that time, the Blackhawks could revisit the possibility of acquiring Rakell this offseason. His experience and offensive capabilities could provide valuable support to Connor Bedard and other young players on the Blackhawks roster.
Ultimately, whether the Blackhawks can successfully acquire either Peterka or Rakell remains to be seen. The Sabres' desire for immediate roster help could be a stumbling block in any potential Peterka deal, while the Penguins may be reluctant to part with Rakell unless they receive a significant return. Nevertheless, with a surplus of draft picks and a clear need to add talent to their roster, the Blackhawks are well-positioned to make a splash in the trade market this offseason, and both Peterka and Rakell represent intriguing options for the team.
