GM Kyle Davidson spoke with the media on Thursday at the 2023 NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo and, while there wasn’t any major news, it did give us some insight on the Blackhawks’ plans around the draft and beyond.
First, Davidson opened with talking about the No. 19 pick, which could see some movements up or down depending on which prospects are still on the board at the time of the Blackhawks selection. There has been speculation of Davidson moving up from No. 19, but this is the first time he’s brought up the possibility of moving back to gain more draft capital.
Davidson sounded open to trading back OR trading up from #19.
"If you’re sitting there at 19 and there’s 5 guys you like, maybe you look to move back because you can get one of those guys…and keep banking assets. To say we’re just going to move up, that’s probably premature."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) June 8, 2023
Davidson mentioned there is no concern from the front office about the Blackhawks reaching the cap floor, which they are a little under $20 million away from currently. It’s really more about how the Blackhawks will reach it than if they will.
#Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson: "I have no concern about getting to the cap floor; that's going to happen with general ease. It's just how we get there will be an interesting road." pic.twitter.com/OlO2WdVmvV
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) June 8, 2023
One strategy that has been speculated for a while was the Blackhawks weaponizing their cap space – about $37.6 million – to take on bad contracts from other teams for assets. Davidson confirmed those discussions have started with other teams, and that he is “open to anything.”
#Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said he's had conversations with teams about potentially weaponizing cap space for future assets. pic.twitter.com/zBGp2gtWBy
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) June 8, 2023
The young GM also discussed what types of players the Blackhawks will be targeting, which will primarily be forwards. This makes sense, considering the Blackhawks already have four veteran defensemen signed for next season (Seth Jones, Connor Murphy, Jarred Tinordi, and Nikia Zaitsev), some pending RFA to make decisions on (Caleb Jones, Ian Mitchell), and several prospects that could be incoming (Kevin Korchinski, Alex Vlasic, Issak Phillips, and more).
Davidson confirmed the Blackhawks will focus on forwards as they add salary to get to the floor.
"We have a number of players moving out up front from last year's roster that we'll have to fill their roles. That's just logically where we're going to have to put a bit of money."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) June 8, 2023
Davidson is looking for a mix of skills sets for both his upcoming roster as well as his prospect system in general. He also agreed that it’s a good to surround the incoming prospect with good veteran players.
#Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson wants players who can skate but acknowledges the importance of having a “variety” of different skill sets in the system. pic.twitter.com/NRGlT1v40B
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) June 8, 2023
#Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson on the value of surrounding younger players with veterans next season: “From a general sense, it’s definitely something we would like to have.” pic.twitter.com/mTWuQXyvPa
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) June 8, 2023
Speaking of veteran forwards, Davidson confirmed the signing of Andreas Athanasiou that was reported on Wednesday. He said that the Blackhawks liked his play on the ice and his presence in the locker room, and also specifically pointed out that Athansiou had chemistry with top Blackhawks prospect Lukas Reichel.
#Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson confirms the re-signing of Andreas Athanasiou: "We had mutual interest in him coming back and glad we could bring him back for another two years." pic.twitter.com/qiAtabvKcb
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) June 8, 2023