Keys to the offseason for the Chicago Blackhawks
Ryan S. Clarke and Kristen Shelton of ESPN: Looking at the keys to the offseason for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Projected cap space: $40.2 million
2026 draft picks: 1st, 1st (FLA, if not in top 10), 2nd, 2nd (TOR), 2nd (NYI)
Getting Connor Bedard signed to a contract extension is obviously their main priority. The Blackhawks could look to add some veterans to their blue line, as they currently have seven Dmen under contract, and they are all under 24 years old.
Their forward group is also young, and they’ll need to make decisions on pending UFA forward Ilya Mikheyev and Sam Lafferty. Forward Andre Burakovsky is entering the final year of his contract at a $5 million cap hit. He hasn’t hit 20 goals or 40 points since 2021-22, so they’ll need to decide if he’s worth keeping around.
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Free agent and trade options for the San Jose Sharks
Sheng Peng of NBC Sports Bay Area: The San Jose Sharks need to add to their blue line this offseason as they currently only have two players under contract – Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson. Shakir Mukhamadullin is an RFA, and prospect Eric Pohlkamp might be ready to jump. Mario Ferraro and Vincent Desharnais are UFAs and are options to bring back.
If making the playoffs next is something they want to do, they’re going to need to make one or two significant additions to the blue line.
Free Agent Options
Darren Raddysh – Tampa Bay Lightning – The 30-year-old could be a perfect addition for their power play.
John Carlson – Anaheim Ducks – At 36-years-old, age is a concern. Would be a nice bridge until prospects are ready.
Jacob Trouba – Anaheim Ducks – GM Mike Grier is familiar with Trouba from their NY Rangers days. The 32-year-old brings some size and physicality that Grier wants.
Rasmus Andersson – Vegas Golden Knights – He’s believed to want to extend in Vegas, even before they traded for him.
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Trade Options
Simon Nemec – New Jersey Devils – Some like him, some don’t. What will new Devils GM Sunny Mehta think of him?
Filip Hronek – Vancouver Canucks – Is he even available? He should be, but he wouldn’t come cheap. A No. 2 or 3 Dman.
Darnell Nurse – Edmonton Oilers – A $9.25 million cap hit through 2030 for the 31-year-old. The $9.25 million is his only issue.
Morgan Rielly – Toronto Maple Leafs – Doesn’t bring the offense like he once did, and questions about his defensive game and mobility. 32 and under contract through 2030 at $7.5 million.
Dougie Hamilton – New Jersey Devils – Two years left at $9 million for the 32-year-old. He blocked a trade to the Sharks last offseason. Could the Sharks’ improvement change his mind this offseason?
Others who might be made available or the Sharksè could target include Roman Josi, Josh Morrissey, Adam Fox, Vladislav Gavrikov, Brandon Montour, Vince Dunn, Colton Parayko, Bowen Byram, and Owen Power.
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