In this series, we take a look at each team and see what they’ve done over the offseason. Next up is the Chicago Blackhawks.
Key additions: Andre Burakovsky, Sam Lafferty, Dominic Toninato
The Hawks have been more active on the trade front than free agency. According to Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: “The Blackhawks weren’t exactly thrilled with how things went with some of their veterans last season and just decided we’re not doing that again; I’m not surprised they were pretty quiet.” Their most notable move was extending Ryan Donato to a 4×4 contract.
Key subtractions: Patrick Maroon, Alec Martinez, T.J Brodie, Philip Kurashev, Joe Veleno
The Hawks will be a much younger team next season as most of their losses are older vets. This allows competition for roster spots amongst the group of young core players they have coming into the fold who they hope will steer this ship out of the rebuild.
Highest draft pick: Anton Frondell, 3rd overall
Frondell is one of the few draft picks from this latest class who could slot into the NHL lineup right away. It will be interesting to see whether he makes the Hawks out of camp or heads back to Sweden for another year.
Salary cap space: $22.3 million
Staff: The Hawks brought in Jeff Blashill as coach, replacing former interim Anders Sorensen who will remain on staff as an assistant. Blashill previously coached in the NHL as an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning and as head coach for the Detroit Red Wings.
Other: It appears the Hawks are done making moves this summer, although they have been connected to some names on the trade block. Maybe GM Kyle Davidson tries to flip some futures assets to get Connor Bedard a top line wingman. Overall, it would not be surprising to see the Hawks remain quiet with the intention of being in on the Gavin McKenna race next season.
All transactions available via puck pedia
