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This offseason, the Chicago Blackhawks need to make moves to ensure a winning season for the young rebuilding team. The big question surrounding the Hawks this offseason is not, “Will they do something?” but rather, “How aggressive will Kyle Davidson be?”
The Blackhawks currently have one of the highest-rated prospect pools in the NHL. The Blackhawks also have the most cap space in the league, with a projected cap hit of just $82.35 million for the 2026-27 season. This capital and stock give the Blackhawks substantial leverage when it comes to acquiring players and filling gaps on the roster.
Blackhawks’ Re-Signings
After finishing in the bottom three of the standings in each of the last four seasons, the Blackhawks need to prioritize re-signing young talent over adding veteran players if they want to begin competing for a playoff spot. Certain players may also be used as trade pieces, as the organization may view them as more expendable during the rebuild.
Connor Bedard | C
Age: 20 | GP: 69 | G: 30 | A: 45 | P: 75 | +/-: -18
The first and most obvious re-signing is Connor Bedard. He has consistently played at an elite level and has not yet had a consistent impact player on his line. Bedard is entering restricted free agency, and nearly all signs point toward him receiving an extension this summer.
Wyatt Kaiser | LD
Age: 23 | GP: 77 | G: 6 | A: 11 | P: 17 | +/-: -16
Another recommended signing would be Wyatt Kaiser. Over the last few seasons, Kaiser has earned significant time on the Blackhawks’ roster and has developed into a solid defensive force on the blue line.
Oliver Moore | C/LW
Age: 21 | GP: 51 | G: 5 | A: 14 | P: 19 | +/-: -15
This was Moore’s first full season with the Blackhawks, and he played well enough to earn a spot on the third line. Previously, Moore showed off the best of what he could do with the Rockford IceHogs while developing at the professional level. This situation could change, however, if the team chooses to move him as part of a larger acquisition.
Blackhawks Trade Targets
The Blackhawks’ goal through trades this offseason should be to fill gaps on the roster, with the biggest need being a younger, legitimate top-six winger. After trading the fourth overall pick for Bowen Byram, there is still more work to be done. Here are several proposed targets that fit that need:
Matthew Knies | LW/RW
Age: 23 | GP: 79 | G: 23 | A: 43 | P: 66 | +/-: -30
Knies is a talented young power forward from Toronto who brings both offensive and defensive potential. He has played well for the Maple Leafs over the last three seasons and has shown he can consistently contribute while winning puck battles and creating space. He could potentially complement Bedard’s game.
Jason Robertson | LW
Age: 26 | GP: 82 | G: 45 | A: 51 | P: 96 | +/-: 22
Robertson is a proven elite NHL winger who has been mentioned as a potential trade target for Chicago. It remains unclear whether Dallas would be willing to move Robertson as the Stars attempt to remain competitive in the playoff race next season. Even if available, the Stars likely would have a significant asking price. If acquired, Robertson would provide finishing ability and goal-scoring on the Blackhawks’ top line.
Morgan Rielly | LD
Age: 32 | GP: 82 | G: 7 | A: 34 | P: 41 | +/-: 6
Rielly has been a cornerstone of the Toronto Maple Leafs blue line for over a decade and serves as one of the team’s veteran leaders. Known for his skating, puck-moving ability, and offensive instincts, he consistently logs top-pair minutes in all situations. The Blackhawks would benefit from his experience and transition game, which could help stabilize a young defensive corps while providing additional support for the team’s emerging offensive talent.
Blackhawks Potential Free-Agent Signings
While the Blackhawks should prioritize signing a winger if they do not acquire one through a trade, they may also pursue a proven defenseman to strengthen a young defensive core featuring Alex Vlasic, Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel. Either position would provide much-needed support.
Alex Tuch | RW
Age: 30 | GP: 79 | G: 33 | A: 33 | P: 66 | +/-: 24
There have been numerous rumors that the Blackhawks are frontrunners to sign Tuch if he becomes available. He has been a consistent presence in the league since the 2017-18 season and has developed into a leader in Buffalo as a strong power forward. If signed, Tuch would bring a physical style and scoring touch that would make the Blackhawks tougher and more productive.
Rasmus Andersson | RD
Age: 29 | GP: 81 | G: 17 | A: 30 | P: 47 | +/-: 4
Andersson is a proven defenseman with strong puck-moving ability. He served as an assistant captain for Calgary before being traded to Vegas before this season’s trade deadline. If signed by Chicago, Andersson would strengthen an already promising young defensive group and complement the forward group with his innate ability to move the puck.
Mason Marchment | LW
Age: 30 | GP: 68 | G: 19 | A: 26 | P: 45 | +/-: 17
Marchment is a slightly older but still proven top-six winger who was traded to Seattle last offseason and later moved to Columbus before the deadline. He plays as a large net-front presence, providing another offensive option and creating problems for opposing defenses.
Who Do the Blackhawks Offload?
Some players on the Blackhawks’ roster have value outside the organization. Whether they are prospects moving between levels, veterans with trade value or players who may not fit long-term plans, several names could potentially leave this offseason.
Ilya Mikheyev | RW
Age: 31 | GP: 77 | G: 18 | A: 18 | P: 36 | +/-: 2
With recent reports indicating the Blackhawks have made Mikheyev’s rights available for negotiation, it appears increasingly likely he will leave the team this offseason. This could be an ideal time to move him, as his value may never be higher. He reached a career high in points while also playing a significant role on the penalty kill.
Andre Burakovsky | LW
Age: 31 | GP: 75 | G: 11 | A: 22 | P: 33 | +/-: -32
Burakovsky was an offseason acquisition for the Blackhawks last summer and ultimately played a smaller role than expected. While still a solid player, he does not necessarily fit the Blackhawks’ long-term timeline and carries a $5.5 million cap hit. Overall, he appears better suited as a bridge player than as a long-term franchise piece, and his contract may be bought out, as he has been playing below par.
Kevin Korchinski | D
Age: 21 | GP: 13 | G: 0 | A: 2 | P: 2 | +/-: 4
Korchinski is a potential offensive NHL defenseman with strong speed and transition ability. Despite that, he has not consistently contributed at the NHL level and spent much of last season in Rockford. Defensemen often take longer to develop, but with the Blackhawks’ growing defensive core, there is a possibility Korchinski could be moved to a team seeking young defensive talent. Because of this, Korch would make a good trade price to package and offload for a much larger haul.
The Blackhawks’ Future Is Bright…
The Chicago Blackhawks have a promising future regardless of what moves are made this offseason. Signing Bedard to a long-term contract this summer would provide stability, and adding support through trades and free agency could accelerate the rebuilding process. As the young core continues to develop and contribute, the expectation is that more wins will follow. Speculation surrounding potential offseason moves creates excitement, but ultimately, the organization will wait to see what Davidson decides to do next.
The post How Can the Chicago Blackhawks Improve This Offseason? appeared first on The Lead.
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