One surprising NHL contender prepares for a Connor McDavid blockbuster

The Connor McDavid sweepstakes may still be years away from truly materializing, but one franchise is already positioning itself as a potential landing spot. And it might not be the team most fans would expect.

According to Scott Powers, the Chicago Blackhawks are closely monitoring McDavid's situation and believe they possess the necessary pieces to put together a deal should the superstar become available. The report has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, given that Chicago is still in the early stages of its rebuild.

The groundwork for this possibility was arguably laid when McDavid signed a two-year, $25 million extension with the Edmonton Oilers rather than committing long term. That relatively short deal keeps the door open for him to reach unrestricted free agency in 2028 if he chooses not to re-sign.

For the Blackhawks, the timeline could actually work in their favor. Chicago's front office has been stockpiling young talent for several seasons now, building around Connor Bedard while developing a deep pipeline that includes names like Frank Nazar, Alex Vlasic, Sam Rinzel, Artyom Levshunov, Ryan Greene, Oliver Moore, and this year's first overall pick Anton Frondell.

The salary cap picture also reportedly looks favorable. Heading into the 2028-29 campaign, Chicago has only four players under contract. General manager Kyle Davidson has shown a pattern of locking up young players on team-friendly deals, which could leave significant room to accommodate a contract of McDavid's magnitude, especially as the salary cap continues to climb.

Of course, several dominoes would need to fall for this scenario to play out. McDavid would presumably need to remain without a Stanley Cup ring in Edmonton, and Chicago's young core would need to develop into legitimate contenders. The Blackhawks would need to be a playoff team, or close to it, to have any realistic shot at luring a generational talent who has made winning his top priority.

Some observers have drawn parallels to the franchise's acquisition of Marian Hossa back in 2009, when Chicago added a star forward to an already ascending roster and went on to capture the Stanley Cup the following spring.

None of this is guaranteed, and much can change between now and 2028. McDavid could win a championship in Edmonton and re-sign. Chicago's prospects could plateau. The league landscape could shift entirely.

For now, though, the Blackhawks appear to be playing the long game, and the mere possibility of McDavid in a Chicago sweater has the hockey world buzzing.