Blackhawks connected to compelling trade with scuffling Senators

Imagn Images

Blackhawks connected to compelling trade with scuffling Senators

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Jun 23, 2026 12:03 PM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks should be one of the busier teams in the NHL this offseason, as they are armed with a nice chunk of cap space and a bevy of draft capital that they could use to bring in some established talent for Connor Bedard.

The Blackhawks are expected to be major players in free agency, and while they probably won’t be trading the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, they own three second-round picks this year plus three first-rounders in 2027.

Chicago absolutely has the goods to acquire some serious players this summer, and there should be opportunities everywhere.

The Blackhawks have missed the playoffs six years in a row, representing their longest drought since 1952. However, they have shown clear improvement the last couple of seasons and don’t appear to be that far away from contending for a playoff berth.

Tab Bamford of Bleacher Nation has identified a potential trade target to help Chicago in that regard, singling out Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson following the Senators’ decision to trade away Brady Tkachuk.

Chicago Blackhawks linked to trade with Ottawa Senators

Apr 20, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Seth Jarvis (24) and Ottawa Senators right wing Drake Batherson (19) battle in the first overtime period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Ottawa has insisted that it isn’t rebuilding — only retooling — following its decision to move Tkachuk for draft capital. But is it possible that that the Blackhawks could convince the Senators to part ways with Batherson, as well?

Bamford pitches the idea.

“A thought: if Ottawa is going to re-tool (rebuild?), I would make a call on Drake Batherson,” Bamford wrote. “The 28-year-old forward is one year from UFA and scored 33 goals last year. If Ottawa is hoarding draft picks… the Blackhawks have plenty. If they’re looking for young players with more cost control, the Blackhawks have prospects. And Batherson does not have any trade protection on his contract.”

As Bamford noted, Batherson just racked up a career-high 33 scores while also tallying 38 assists, giving him a lifetime-best 71 points on the year. He was an All-Star back during the 2021-22 campaign and has been a consistent force for the Senators for quite some time.

Batherson played in all 82 games three seasons in a row between 2022-23 and 2024-25, and this past year, he appeared in 79 contests.

Chicago could definitely use a winger like Batherson alongside of Bedard, and while Batherson would be pricy, acquiring him would give the Blackhawks one heck of a forward line.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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