Chicago's front office sweats the long view on salary cap flexibility, especially with Connor Bedard's extension looming after his entry-level deal expires next season. Kyle Davidson juggles a young core on cheap contracts like those of Frank Nazar and Artyom Levshunov while eyeing UFAs such as Connor Murphy and Ilya Mikheyev. A rising cap to $113 million by 2027-28 offers breathing room, but smart bridges and long-term bets will decide if the Hawks contend or just spend.

The Blackhawks hold a prime draft spot, and whispers from front offices suggest they're steering clear of Gavin McKenna even with his family ties to Connor Bedard. Scouts I've talked to point to a loaded prospect pool already brimming with young talent like Anton Frondell and Artyom Levshunov, making another high-risk forward less appealing. McKenna's Penn State stint has raised eyebrows amid off-ice noise, and Chicago's brain trust prioritizes fits over hype.