The Perfect Cap Dump Opportunity Has Emerged for the Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are entering a new era. Connor Bedard will be an immediate boost to the franchise, and they need to give him a supporting cast.
With essentially every aspect of their roster being barren of depth and talent, the team will have to get creative.
Having tens of million in cap space, however, will make things easier.
Merzlikins Emerges as an Option for the Blackhawks
The Columbus Blue Jackets are in a similar situation to the Blackhawks, barring the soon-to-be generational player joining their team.
They do have Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine on the roster, so their aim is to be competitive as soon as possible.
Many are expecting them to attempt to dump a bad contract in the off-season, which would most likely be either Erik Gudbranson, or Elvis Merzlikins.
Merzlikins signed a major deal paying him $5.4-million per season over five years with the Blue Jackets, but has underperformed thus far.
Possibility of a Rebound
A change of scenery could be just what he needs, and at 29, he could still have some amazing years as the Blackhawks grow into a contender.
Getting assets along with Merzlikins would only sweeten what could be a very high-reward trade for the Blackhawks.
| POLL | ||
MAI 28 | 149 ANSWERS The Perfect Cap Dump Opportunity Has Emerged for the Chicago Blackhawks Do you think Elvis Merzlikins can rebound? | ||
| Yes | 94 | 63.1 % |
| No | 55 | 36.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Zachary Werenski | 2 | 3 | 5 | |
| Sean Monahan | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Jesper Bratt | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Frederick Gaudreau | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Jack Hughes | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Nikita Kucherov | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Mackenzie Weegar | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Kent Johnson | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Alexander Wennberg | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Mitchell Chaffee | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Anthony Cirelli | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Matthew Coronato | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Marcus Foligno | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Nick Foligno | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Conor Geekie | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Brandon Hagel | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Stefan Noesen | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Corey Perry | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Igor Sharangovich | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Dmitry Voronkov | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 19 | 16 | 3 | - | 32 | |
Wild | 19 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 29 | |
Hurricanes | 19 | 14 | 5 | - | 28 | |
Devils | 22 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 28 | |
Capitals | 19 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 27 | |
Golden Knights | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 18 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 25 | |
Panthers | 20 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 25 | |
Flames | 20 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 25 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||