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Blackhawks Named Team to Watch in Connor McDavid Sweepstakes

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 2:24 PM ET

All eyes are on the Edmonton Oilers and what they do with star Connor McDavid moving forward. McDavid will be entering the final year of his current contract, and there have been rumors that he could depart the franchise.

Winning is everything to McDavid, so if he feels that the Oilers can't provide him with that any longer, he may leave. But where could McDavid go if he were to look at different options?

NHL writer Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report listed the Blackhawks as a potential landing spot for McDavid. Chicago could be an interesting place for him, especially if they were to start growing as a franchise.

"But what if the Blackhawks can take a big step forward this season? What if they can get closer with Connor Bedard becoming the superstar everybody expects him to be? Could it become an option?

"The Blackhawks are an Original Six franchise with a championship background, they're in a major market, and they have almost zero long-term contracts or investments on the books. They would have money to throw at not only McDavid, but potentially other players that could help round out the roster," Gretz wrote.

Putting McDavid next to Connor Bedard would be special to watch. The Blackhawks could have one of the more lethal duos in the NHL, mimicking the pairing of McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in a way.

But Chicago would need to heavily improve before McDavid was willing to sign with them. The Blackhawks have been at the bottom of the NHL for years, but they do have a nice, young nucleus of talent.

McDavid heading to another Western Conference team could be interesting as well. But only time will tell if he is willing to leave the Oilers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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