The Chicago Blackhawks' season ended a month ago, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs are still underway, but with the Blackhawks on the outside looking in, they typically don't do much until the Stanley Cup is lifted. There isn't. However, general manager Kyle Davidson has already made some key moves. But that's just the tip of the iceberg of what we have to accomplish this summer.
We know from Davidson's exit interview that he is looking to bring in some new players to help improve the team and create roster competition, but he still doesn't intend to overspend on huge long-term contracts. . The Blackhawks recently extended contract extensions with Alex Vlasic and Lukas Reichel, acquiring the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and eight other draft picks.
What should I do then? Let's take a look at the team's goals here.
Step 1: Evaluate Rockford's progress
The best way to evaluate a team is through the farm team. The Grand Rapids Griffins eliminated the Rockford IceHogs in the first round of the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs, which was disappointing, but there were some prospects that Chicago had their eye on.
- Drew Comesso (G): Commesso started his professional career with a record of 18 wins, 16 losses, and 4 losses, a GAA (goals average) of 2.65, and a SV% (save percentage) of 0.906. In the playoffs, he looked good, posting a 2.57 GAA and 0.915 SV% in three games, even though his team struggled. Davidson had expressed uncertainty over the reserve goalkeeper position due to Arvid Soderblom's struggles, and Commesso was one of the players to keep an eye on. It's hard to believe he'll get the Blackhawks out of training camp given the team's attitude of preaching patience, but his development is on the right track.
- Jackson Stover (G): Stauber split the net with Commesso and posted a 18-8-3 record with a 2.85 GAA and .902 SV%. In one game in the Calder Cup Playoffs, he posted a 2.80 GAA and .919 SV%. He is a free agent this summer, and since he didn't cost much and has had some success, I would imagine the Hawks would re-sign him. He has five NHL games under his belt since 2023 and is undefeated. But they might look to outside help to back up Petr Mrazek.
- Ethan Del Mastro (LD): He is an AHL All-Star defenseman and was named Rookie of the Year by the IceHogs after scoring 37 points and plus-14 points in 69 games. He scored two goals in four games and was a plus-one in the playoffs. He created many chances for the team. I think it's possible he could take the Blackhawks out of camp, especially since the three defensemen on the roster likely won't return. Depending on who he picks with the No. 2 overall pick, he could sign another defenseman. Still, Del Mastro should create the competition they want.
- Cole Gutman (C): He finally broke out in Rockford with the scoring touch the Blackhawks were hoping for. At Rockford, he scored 40 points in 39 games and was named Player of the Month in March after scoring 22 points in 12 games. Unfortunately, he missed the playoffs due to an upper body injury, but he ended the season on a high note.
- Nolan Alan (LD): He was a plus-2 in 60 games and was named Defenseman of the Year by the IceHogs with 17 points. He also missed the playoffs due to injury, but the Hawks have an interesting prospect who can play right or left defense and plays a more defensive, defensive game. He probably won't make the team out of camp, but he will be a player to keep an eye on.
- Colton Dach (C/LW): He was considered a candidate to make his NHL debut this season, but suffered a concussion in December. He finished the season with 27 points in 48 games, but had zero points in the playoffs. I like Dutch's potential, but in an ideal world the Hawks would like to force him to join the team, so he'll have a big summer and training camp.
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Once the Blackhawks decide how to use these players, whether or not they want more seasoning in Rockford, that should help determine their next steps.
Step 2: Who else could re-sign with the Blackhawks?
In many ways, re-signing Vlasic and Rychel was a “no-brainer” and probably the easiest part of the offseason, but now you're left wondering who else you could re-sign. The problem comes back. The list is kept to a minimum as most of the team's players were “fillers” and were not considered prime candidates for an extension. I think there are only three players they will consider.
- joey anderson: Could remain a mainstay in the bottom six after finding success alongside Jason Dickinson, scoring a career-high 17 points in 55 games.
- Colin Blackwell: After returning from a 10-month absence due to a sports hernia, he played in 44 games in a bottom-six role, scoring 12 points, and by the end of his career had become one of the Blackhawks' most beloved players. I don't think he'll come back, but he could be a dark horse.
- Cole Gutman: As mentioned before, with his performance in Rockford, they may want to bring him back on a “prove it” contract.
If they decide to re-sign any of these players, they should be able to work out team-friendly deals.
Step 3: Who can the Blackhawks target?
As you can see, there are a lot of questions regarding goaltending, defense, and forwards. In addition to having more than $30 million in cap space, the team also has draft picks that could be leveraged to add players in addition to relying on free agency in July. Here are some options.
Nikolai Ehlers
Reports have surfaced that the Winnipeg Jets could acquire Nikolaj Ehlers ahead of the June 28 NHL Draft. The 28-year-old has one year left on a seven-year contract ($6 million AAV) and is not subject to trade to any of the 10 teams. list. He might be someone to watch. He only has one year left on his contract, so this could be a short-term solution for the offense, but if things go well, it could be a long-term solution. Now, the Jets aren't going to just let him go. He was among the top five scorers on the team with 61 points in 82 games, averaging 27 points, 35 assists, and 62 points in 81 games. He also has a career plus of -92.
The Blackhawks could dangle draft picks: They have 27 picks in the next three drafts. That might be something to explore. It would be great to have him in the top six with Connor Bedard, Filip Kurashev, and Taylor Hall.
chandler stevenson
Chandler Stephenson is a guy I read about again and again. The Vegas Golden Knights center has 51 points and a 52.6% faceoff percentage in 75 games and is a two-time Stanley Cup champion. He's due to finish out his four-year contract ($2.75 million AAV), so a payday may be in store. But if the Blackhawks want a couple of years with an AAV of $4 million, that could be appealing. The reason I bring up his name is because of Scott Powers. The Athletic He said if the Hawks miss Macklin Celebrini, they may look for a second-line center. (From “What I’m hearing about the Blackhawks heading into the NHL Draft Lottery” – The Athletic – 05/07/2024).
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This condition may be difficult to meet, as he will have many suitors, including in Las Vegas. Obviously, letting Steven Stamkos walk with the Tampa Bay Lightning would have generated a lot of buzz as well, but Chicago would have some fun options there.
Troy Stecher
If the Blackhawks want to find a veteran defenseman, I'm looking at 30-year-old Troy Stecher. He has always been a player to watch and is currently with the Edmonton Oilers. He scored nine points in 54 games and was a plus-9. His salary cap ceiling is $1.1 million, so he shouldn't command a ton. He's also a right-handed defenseman, which the Blackhawks needed. The veteran option would allow the prospect more development time in Rockford. He might be worth a call.
All in all, this is a big offseason for Davidson. He said it was time for the team to start improving, which puts more pressure on himself than before. They have many options to strengthen this team from the farm system and from the outside, but they still have many difficult decisions to make. But one thing is for sure: the Blackhawks are a team to watch this summer.
