Bedard Era in Chicago Could Kick Off With New Star Linemate

The dawn of a new era for the Chicago Blackhawks will officially begin this season, as Connor Bedard begins his rookie NHL campaign. But you have to surround players like him with talent, and the Blackhawks appear to be eyeing someone in particular to help him adjust to the league.

According to NHL Trade Talk, it would make sense for the Blackhawks to acquire William Nylander to help provide Bedard with a world-class linemate.

While Nylander remains in contract talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a hypothetical trade would certainly give Bedard his strongest linemate in Chicago, and someone to play on his right wing with Taylor Hall on his left. The Blackhawks would also have the cap space to make this type of trade work, even if they're years away from contending again.

After having just signed Auston Matthews to a monstrously expensive four-year deal, the Leafs will have some cap gymnastics to work through once again. Should Nylander be seen as a possible casualty, Brad Treliving would have an opportunity to acquire young assets for his services.