It’s been a long few years for the Chicago Blackhawks and their fans.
Five consecutive seasons of not just missing the playoffs, but being at the bottom of the league standings from start to finish. The rebuild away from the Patrick Kane-Jonathan Toews era has been slow, and they need to start turning a corner sooner rather than later.
Connor Bedard’s first two NHL seasons have been underwhelming yet still very productive. Other high draft picks and prospects are starting to come into their own as well, though another true star to partner with Bedard still feels necessary.
According to insider Mark Lazerus, general manager Kyle Davidson and the front office’s dream has been to land superstar Kirill Kaprizov in free agency of 2026. With the way negotiations have been going in Minnesota so far, that dream scenario feels more possible than ever before. OviClapBomb shared Lazerus’ comments on X (formerly Twitter).
“Last summer, the Hawks were like, ‘What would be the dream scenario?’ Kaprizov hitting free agency just when they’re ready to turn the corner, and that’s the guy they can go throw all the money at. It was a different time, and that was their best-case scenario,” Lazerus said.
Mark Lazarus:
“Last summer, The Hawks were like, what would be the dream scenario?
Kaprizov hitting free agency just when they’re ready to turn the corner and that’s the guy they can go throw all the money at. It was a different time and that was their best case scenario.” pic.twitter.com/CiOlgBhHD2
— Ovi (@OviClapBomb) September 12, 2025
The 28-year-old is entering the final season of the five-year, $45 million contract extension he signed with the Wild back in 2021. Insider Frank Seravalli reported on Wednesday that Kaprizov rejected a record-breaking eight-year, $128 million extension offer from Minnesota, sparking speculation about his future with the team.
Kaprizov would change everything for the Hawks
Could you imagine a Kirill Kaprizov-Connor Bedard duo for the next decade? That is how you turn things around in Chicago.
Kaprizov is obviously looking for massive money, having turned down $16 million from the Wild. The good thing is, cap space is a weapon for the Blackhawks, who are slated to have more than $63 million at their disposal next offseason.
Some progress has to be made on the ice in 2025-26 to show Kaprizov that there is some hope in Chicago, though there have already been rumors that he’s intrigued by the idea of taking his talents to the Windy City.
The situation is still very fluid and could change at any given moment, but if Kirill Kaprizov does, in fact, become available via trade or free agency, then keep an eye on the Chicago Blackhawks to be among those most heavily involved.
