Blackhawks acquire veteran winger in wake of major injuries

The Blackhawks have added some extra depth up front, acquiring winger Rem Pitlick from Pittsburgh in exchange for a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick.  Both teams have announced the swap.

Pitlick spent the previous two seasons with Montreal before being included as part of the three-team swap which also involved San Jose, landing the Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson.

The 26-year-old impressed as a waiver claim by the Canadiens in 2021, picking up 26 points in 46 games.  That was enough for Montreal to give him a two-year, $2.2M contract, seemingly giving him some stability.  However, Pitlick cleared waivers last season, splitting the year between AHL Laval and Montreal where he had just 15 points in 46 contests, leading to a trade request, one that was granted with his inclusion in the three-way trade.

However, the change of scenery didn’t work out quite as planned for Pitlick.  Pittsburgh’s cap situation helped land him back on waivers and since clearing at the end of training camp, he has played exclusively with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.  Pitlick has been productive down there, notching 24 points in 32 games to lead the Baby Pens in scoring.

Presumably, Pitlick will now get an NHL look with a team where the salary cap situation won’t be a concern.  The Blackhawks announced Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno have been placed on IR, so Pitlick should get an opportunity to make an impact with Chicago.  A strong second-half showing could give him a nice boost heading into unrestricted free agency this summer, just like it did two years ago.