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Matthew Knies posted career-high numbers with the Maple Leafs in 2025-26.

The Chicago Blackhawks are entering an incredibly important offseason. After another disappointing season, it would not be surprising in the slightest if the Blackhawks look to bolster their roster during the summer.

When looking at the Blackhawks’ roster, it is clear that they have some serious roster needs to address if they hope to take that next step next season. This is crucial for the Blackhawks, as they need to get young superstar Connor Bedard more help.

One way that the Blackhawks could look to boost their roster this offseason is through the trade market. Because of this, let’s take a look at three trade candidates who the Blackhawks should strongly consider pursuing during the summer.

Blackhawks Have the Perfect Trade Target in Maple Leafs Star Matthew Knies

When looking at trade candidates around the NHL, Matthew Knies undoubtedly stands out as a perfect target for the Blackhawks. Knies is a 23-year-old power forward who is signed until the end of the 2030-31 season, so he would immediately be a long-term part of the Blackhawks’ core if they successfully acquired him.

The Blackhawks were one of the teams that were interested in Knies leading up to the deadline, so it would not be surprising if they kicked tires on him this summer. If they successfully acquired Knies from Toronto, he would be an obvious fit on their first line with Bedard.

In 79 games this season with the Maple Leafs, Knies recorded 23 goals, 43 assists, 66 points, and 152 hits.

Blackhawks Should Bolster Blueline By Acquiring Simon Nemec

One of the Blackhawks’ top needs this offseason is to add another high-impact defenseman. Due to this, they should strongly consider targeting New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec this summer.

Questions about Nemec’s future in New Jersey have come up, and it would make sense for the Blackhawks to kick tires on him because of it. The 22-year-old defenseman has a ton of potential and could immediately fit on the Blackhawks’ top pairing and power play if successfully acquired.

In 68 games this season with the Devils, the 2022 second-overall pick recorded 11 goals, 15 assists, and 26 points.

Blackhawks Should Try to Make a Blockbuster Trade for Jason Robertson

Another player who the Blackhawks would be wise to pursue is Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. Robertson is entering the summer as a pending restricted free agent and could be a player the Stars end up dealing if contract negotiations do not go well.

When it comes to star wingers, Robertson is the most notable in the rumor mill right now. The 26-year-old winger simply dominated this season with Dallas, as he had 45 goals, 51 assists, and 96 points in 82 games. With numbers like these, he would be a massive pickup for the Blackhawks and could help Bedard hit a new level if they played together on the same line.

With the Blackhawks being in the same division as the Stars, they would need to give up a lot to land Robertson. Yet, with Robertson being one of the NHL’s best wingers and right in his prime, he would be worth the cost big time.