Stan Bowman promised that the Blackhawks roster would look different after this offseason. Bowman began that process on Sunday by trading Dominik Kahun and a 5th-round pick to Pittsburgh for defenseman Olli Maatta. The Blackhawks remain active in trade talks around the league even after the acquisition of Maatta. They also possess the cap space to make a big splash in free agency this summer.
Joe Pavelski is set to become an unrestricted free agent in a couple of weeks, and San Jose may not be able to afford him after re-signing Erik Karlsson to a mammoth deal. Mark Lazerus of The Athletic recently reported that Pavelski is intrigued by the idea of playing for the Blackhawks if he leaves San Jose. Although, San Jose certainly is going to do all they can to convince their captain to stick around.
Pavelski is coming off a strong season in which he recorded 38 goals and 26 assists in 75 games. He’s about to turn 35 in a few weeks, but he’s showed no signs of slowing down. Pavelski’s picked up at least 64 points in all five seasons since turning 30. He’s only missed eight games in those five seasons as well.
Pavelski In A Red Sweater
The Chicago Blackhawks sure could benefit from a proven forward like Joe Pavelski in their top six. He could play right wing on the top line alongside Jonathan Toews, or he could play center if need be. Pavelski’s 55% from the faceoff dot in his career and has never had a season under 50%. Imagine having Toews, Strome, and Pavelski down the middle next year.
The 2003 7th-round pick has also posted some ridiculous possession numbers throughout his career. Pavelski’s worst Corsi% of his career was 52.2% in 2016-17. To put that into perspective, Brandon Saad was the only Blackhawk forward that had a Corsi% higher than 52.2% last season. Pavelski not only provides above-average offense, but he plays superb defense as well.
It is expected that Pavelski will receive around $7-8M per year if he hits the free agent market. The Blackhawks can manage a short-term deal, but anything more could become complicated. With the contracts of Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome expiring at the end of the upcoming season, Stan Bowman needs to be careful about long-term spending. Pavelski signing a one or two-year deal would be an ideal situation for the Blackhawks.
All in all, Joe Pavelski is the exact type of player the Blackhawks currently need. He is a skilled two-way forward that can play either center or the wing. Pavelski is also one of the best tippers in the league, which would be a boost to the ‘Hawks powerplay. The Plover, Wisconsin native can impact the game in a lot of different ways.
If San Jose isn’t able to afford Joe Pavelski, the Chicago Blackhawks should do all they can to sign him this summer.
