Around a month ago, multiple NHL insiders reported that the Blackhawks were actively shopping the trade market for a second-line center. The position was and still is a huge hole in Chicago’s roster. However, it became clear pretty quickly that the Blackhawks would have to fork over a tremendous amount of value to acquire such a top talent, especially a young one early in the season. As a result, the rumors were quickly put to rest.
This week, reports indicated that the Blackhawks were again squarely in the mix for a premier talent on the open market. Insider Elliotte Friedman listed the Blackhawks not once but twice in his “32 Thoughts” column as a potential match for a big addition at second-line center.
“The teams that are looking hard at centres now — including Chicago and Nashville — have to weigh when others wade into the market. One of those will be Toronto, for sure. The Blackhawks and Predators have the advantage of more cap space/high picks to trade, and more of a willingness to do it at this time. But as the season continues and cap-strapped teams try to build space, competition will increase.”
– Elliotte Friedman
“Player-team that seem a match: Morgan Frost and Chicago. Frost didn’t play Wednesday against Carolina, the fourth game of the last five he’s watched from the press box. He’s not a complainer, prefers to keep any displeasure behind closed doors, but players want to play. Obviously, any dance needs partners who deal, but the Blackhawks, in dire need of centres, are one team that makes sense for him.”
– Elliotte Friedman
Well, that’s certainly thought-provoking. I wrote when the original rumors came out that it’s bold to say that Chicago even needs a 2C, especially at the cost they would have to pay. The primary goal of the team right now is to help Connor Bedard by taking the pressure off of him, and a second-line center doesn’t accomplish that. Additionally, the Blackhawks aren’t a 2C away from contending for a championship. The team’s strength still lies in its deep, highly talented prospect pool. Chicago will eventually get players like Frank Nazar, Oliver Moore and Ryan Greene, and each of those players could be used down the middle.
If they do plan to acquire a 2C, now would be the time for the Blackhawks to pounce on Frost, as Friedman mentioned. He hasn’t been great on the offensive end with a plus-minus of -10 in 16 games. As Friedman said, Frost has been in the doghouse in Philadelphia for most of the past few weeks. He isn’t the most consistent in the attacking end, with just one goal this season after 13 last year and 19 in 2022-23.
However, if Chicago does want to add a center talent, Frost could be a good fit. Despite his plus-minus, he’s known as a pretty heady player who excels on both ends of the ice, and we’ve all seen how Jason Dickinson, who plays with a similar style, has performed over the past few years.
Perhaps most importantly for the Blackhawks at this point, Frost is strong in the faceoff circle. He’s won 50.5 percent of his 194 draws this season, which would be a huge improvement for a Chicago team that struggles in that department. It’s unclear what the cost would be to acquire Frost, but it’s a great time to buy low. If the Blackhawks don’t have to give up a top prospect or a high pick, I’d be more than intrigued by the idea of Chicago taking on his $2.1 million cap hit for the remainder of the season, as he hits restricted free agency next summer.
