HawkTalkChi

The Chicago Blackhawks wrapped their 2024–25 season at 25-46-11, good for 61 points and second-to-last in the NHL.

That standing gives them the second-best odds heading into the draft lottery — and a golden opportunity to reshape the franchise.

But what happens if they don’t land the No. 1 pick?

According to NHL Insider Sheng Peng, San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier has already opened the door to something major.

If Sharks get the No. 1 pick, Grier says he’s more willing to entertain offers for it than last year

Peng reported.

If #SJSharks get the No. 1 pick, Grier says he's more willing to entertain offers for it than last year.

Not that he's giving it away, he'd be looking for a Herschel Walker/Ricky Williams-type offer.

"At the top, after Schaefer, it's probably more forward-heavy."

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) April 18, 2025

Not that he’s giving it away, he’d be looking for a Herschel Walker/Ricky Williams-type offer.

That’s a massive shift in tone.

San Jose won the draft lottery last year and took Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick.

This time, with another shot at the top, Grier appears open to dealing the pick — if the return is significant enough.

For the Blackhawks, who are guaranteed a top-four pick no matter how the ping pong balls bounce, this creates a fascinating situation.

If Matthew Schaefer is viewed as the top defenseman on the board — and the Sharks go that route to patch their thin blue line — Chicago might get their guy without needing to trade up.

But if there’s concern that San Jose could pivot to a high-end forward like Michael Misa, Porter Martone, or James Hagens, Kyle Davidson may be forced to make a move.

With a prospect pool loaded on defense — including Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, Kevin Korchinski, and Alex Vlasic — the Blackhawks don’t need more blue-line help.

They need top-line offensive firepower to support Connor Bedard long term.

A trade-up package could involve Chicago’s own lottery pick (No. 2–4), the first-rounder acquired from Toronto, and potentially a second- or third-rounder to seal the deal.

Is it steep?

Absolutely.

Is it worth it?

With Bedard already in place and a defensive foundation that’s nearly set, adding a dynamic winger or center to elevate the team’s scoring ceiling might be the final major piece.

The Blackhawks have the assets.

They have the cap flexibility. And now, they may have the right draft partner.

If the Sharks win the lottery and truly open the phone lines, don’t be surprised if Kyle Davidson is first to call.

This could be the offseason the rebuild takes its biggest leap yet.