This offseason is beyond important for Chicago, and, most importantly, for Kyle Davidson. Despite his re-signing, the pressure has never been higher to swing big. The Blackhawks appear ready to move on from bottom-feeder to playoff contender. With over $40 million in projected cap space, now is the time to do so, and here are a few of my predictions for the Blackhawks 2026 offseason.

Sign Connor Bedard long term

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

“Well duh,” you’re probably saying to yourself reading this. This is the obvious priority, and should be taken care of before July 1. The more time passes without an extension, the less time the front office has to address other offseason concerns.

Move on from Andre Burakovsky

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

An addition by subtraction. It is clear that Andre Burakovsky fell out of favor with fans and head coach Jeff Blashill at the end of the season. Four points in his final 35 games is unacceptable. With a desire to add, room has to be made.

Although trading the final year of his contract is preferable, the Blackhawks may have to bite the buyout bullet. If bought out, his $5.5 million cap hit would turn into $2.5 million of cap space next season, with $1.25 million being owed to Burakovsky in the 2027-28 season.

Sell high for Ilya Mikheyev’s signing rights

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

Ilya Mikheyev proved to be a trade steal for the Blackhawks. The 31-year-old forward brought speed and penalty killing to the bottom six.

The Blackhawks saw his value and decided against trading him at the deadline. Now, with reports that Mikheyev turned down a three-year contract extension, Chicago has begun shopping his signing rights. Mikheyev hopes to cash in long term with his next contract.

Despite his value, giving term to a 31-year-old forward with a skillset predicated on speed does not make sense. Recouping value on Mikheyev should be a priority before the draft.

Decide on the backup goaltender

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawk)

An interesting battle going into next season will be the backup goaltender spot. Will it be Arvid Soderblom or Drew Commesso?

To me, the answer is becoming obvious. It should be Commesso. Statistically, Soderblom has been one of the worst NHL goalies for three seasons. It is time to give Commesso the reigns.

With that, the Blackhawks would need to figure out what to do with Soderblom. With one more year on his contract paying him $2.75 million, it would be difficult to find a trade partner willing otherwise take that on. Edmonton? Detroit? Florida? The Rangers? I highly doubt it.

Because of this, waiving Soderblom may be the solution. If claimed, the cap hit is taken off the books. If not, the Rockford IceHogs reunite with a veteran goaltender with NHL experience.

Decide on Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

There are two NHL-level left-handed defensemen on the NHL roster: Alex Vlasic and Wyatt Kaiser. With Matt Grzelcyk unlikely to be re-signed, that leaves one possible lineup spot for two unproven lefties.

Will Chicago choose to go with the upside of Kevin Korchinski? The defensive game of Ethan Del Mastro? Or will they choose to bring back both defensemen and hope one of them emerges? Time will tell, but I doubt term would be offered to both.

A  “prove it” deal makes sense for both of them. Neither has proven enough to deserve term, and if keeping one of them is the right move, a maximum of a two-year contract should be offered. If it were up to me, I would go with the upside of Korchinski over Del Mastro.

Big-fish hunt for top-six winger(s)

This is the most obvious need for the Blackhawks. With recent reports stating that the Blackhawks want to maintain a center depth chart of Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell and Frank Nazar, the need to surround these young guys with talent is apparent. There are few free agents who could fill the role, but the trade market could prove fruitful.

Jason Robertson

(Photo courtesy of Jerome Miron / Imagn Images)

The crown jewel of the trade market, pending restricted free agent (RFA) Jason Robertson is the type of winger the Blackhawks desperately need. A three-time 40-goal scorer, including 45 goals this season, Robertson would immediately bolster the top line.

The problem becomes obvious. Robertson is still under control of the Dallas Stars. The asking price shoots up when dealing in division. However, with reports coming out that Robertson is looking for at least $14 million average annual value (AAV) on his next contract, the teams that can afford to trade for and sign Robertson are few. Chicago fits the requirements.

Matthew Knies

(Photo courtesy of Sergei Belski / Imagn Images)

Significant cold water has been thrown on the Matthew Knies trade rumors since the draft lottery. With a new front office and the first overall pick in their grasps, the Toronto Maple Leafs may wish to pivot back into adding.

That being said, who knows? It has been reported by David Pagnotta that a trade nearly went down at the deadline that would have sent Knies to the Montreal Canadians for top prospect Alexander Zharovsky, two first round picks and another top prospect. Although Brad Treliving said no, maybe a similar offer, or even better one, could be presented to new Leafs general manager John Chayka.

At 23 years old and a contract that does not expire until 2031, Knies lines up perfectly with the rest of the young Blackhawk roster.

Alex Tuch

(Photo courtesy of Sergei Belski / Imagn Images)

The only unrestricted free agent (UFA) in this section, Alex Tuch allows Chicago to add to their top six without giving up draft or prospect capital.

With the Buffalo Sabres and Tuch reportedly “far apart” in negotiations, the Blackhawks should strike on July 1.

The issue with Tuch is his age. At 30 years old, Tuch may begin to fade as the rest of the young roster grows. The hope is that he does not become an anchor contract if he were to be signed to a seven-year contract. However, with 66 points this season, Tuch continues to improve his scoring touch with time. His two-way game should age well, even if his offensive skill were to dwindle.

Pavel Dorofeyev

(Photo courtesy of Sergei Belski / Imagn Images)

The Stanley Cup finalists found yet another diamond in their constant pursuit of success. The former third-round pick is coming off back-to-back regular seasons of 35+ goals. Dorofeyev has exploded onto the scene in these playoffs, greatly increasing his stock and his price.

Like with Robertson, Dorofeyev is an RFA this offseason. The constantly cap-strapped Vegas Golden Knights may need to move their prized youngster, with Chicago taking advantage. The added bonus of proven playoff success from the 25-year-old may increase the asking price, but that is nothing Chicago cannot handle.

Tomas Hertl

(Photo courtesy of David Becker / AP Photo)

More of an “if not A, then B” situation, the second Golden Knight in a row is likely a more realistic option. Vegas will do whatever it takes to retain Dorofeyev. If it becomes clear that obtaining Dorofeyev is an impossibility for Chicago, pivoting to Tomas Hertl makes some sense.

A three-time 30-goal scorer in his 13-year NHL career, Hertl remained healthy this season, playing all 82 regular season games, recording 58 points.

At 32 years old, Hertl may not be a long-term piece, but he is a top-six option. With his contract expiring after the 2029-30 season, Hertl may prove cheap to acquire. His cap hit of $6.75 million is significant, and there is plenty of risk, but the upside is there.

Jordan Kyrou

(Photo courtesy of Dennis Schneidler / Imagn Images)

Like with Robertson, acquiring Jordan Kyrou comes with the increase in asking price from the St. Louis Blues. Despite the down season, the 28-year-old winger will cost an arm and a leg.

If the returns for Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk are any indication, the Blackhawks must be ready to pay up for Kyrou’s services. The 70-point scorer’s contract runs until the 2030-31 season.

Alexis Lafreniere

(Photo courtesy of Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images)

The much-maligned former first-overall draft pick may be a quiet target of the Blackhawks. At 24 years old, Lafreniere tied a career high in points this season with 57.

Like with Knies and Robertson, his age lines up very well with the young Chicago core, and could find the potential that made him the top pick in 2019.

At a cap hit of $7.45 million through the 2031-32 season, acquiring Lafreniere would require the Rangers to completely embrace a full teardown. With the trade of Artemi Panarin at the deadline and the rumored shopping of Vincent Trocheck, perhaps the Rangers could be convinced to provide the Blackhawks a young top-six winger.

Add to the left side of the blue line

Even if the Blackhawks were to bring back both Korchinski and Del Mastro, the same issue that plagued last years roster threatens again. The roster is young, way too young. Vlasic cannot be the elder statesman at 24 years old.

The priority should not be just to add experience, but experience with talent. A Grzelcyk-like signing would not cut it for this upcoming season. A left-handed defenseman who can at least play on the second pair should be prioritized. Here are a few options:

Mario Ferraro

(Photo courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Imagn Images)

The soon-to-be UFA Mario Ferraro is reportedly projected for a contract with an AAV around $5.1 million. At 27 years old, it is fair to say that the defenseman is entering his physical prime, and the Blackahwks make sense as a team looking to add Ferraro’s talents.

After a career high in points and goals, Ferraro should immediately slot in the second pair, becoming a reliable partner for young righties like Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel.

Morgan Rielly

(Photo courtesy of Dennis Schneidler / Imagn Images)

The leader of the Maple Leafs’ defense struggled this past season. With his lowest point total in a season when he has played at least 60 games since the 2016-17 season, Rielly’s large contract is one that Toronto would like to move.

At 32 years old, Rielly’s contract runs until the 2029-30 season at a $7.5 million cap hit. Despite his previous season woes, Rielly can move the puck to the tune of 50+ assists per season. His defensive metrics have slipped with age, but his value cannot be ignored.

With some retention, Chicago could add a valuable piece to their top four.

Jeremy Lauzon

(Photo courtesy of Eli Rehmer / NHLI via Getty Images)

The third Golden Knight in this article, Jeremy Lauzon can add a physical edge to the second pairing. Coming off a Stanley Cup appearance, the cost of retaining Lauzon could be going up, to the benefit of a buyer like Chicago. The 29-year-old defenseman would slot in immediately as a subtle game-changer to the blue line.

Darnell Nurse

(Photo courtesy of Sergei Belski / Imagn Images)

One of the most maligned players in the league, Darnell Nurse is still a valuable defenseman. With recent reports that the Edmonton Oilers want to trade Nurse away, Chicago could take advantage by acquiring a top-four defenseman at the bottom of his value.

It would be a tough sell to purchase the entire contact of Nurse. Retention would be a necessity. Edmonton may be desperate to move Nurse and the four years remaining on his contract. Nurse at $9.25 million a year is rough, but Nurse at 33% retention, which comes out to roughly $6.19 million, is reasonable.

This all become a moot point if Nurse does not waive for the Blackhawks, but with recent reports that the pending divorce is mutual, it is not an impossibility.

Bowen Byram

(Photo courtesy of Marc DesRosiers / Imagn Images)

The former fourth-overall draft pick may be on the cutting block for Buffalo. With the impending free agency of Tuch, Buffalo may look to offload the final season of Byram’s contract. His $6.25 million cap hit could be easily absorbed by Chicago.

Byram brings Stanley Cup experience, and at 24 years old, there is room to improve. Byram may achieve his first-pairing potential with the Blackhawks.

Add speculative value to the bottom-six

A small priority, the Blackhawks should look to improve down the lineup. The market for players in this mold is extensive, which allows Chicago to see if they can bring someone in with low expectations but intriguing upside.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi

(Photo courtesy of Marc DesRosiers / Imagn Images)

Now, before everyone freaks out, I will explain. Jesperi Kotkaniemi has been in Rod Brind’Amour’s doghouse while with the Carolina Hurricanes. With nine points in 42 regular season games, Kotkaniemi’s game has completely fallen off a cliff, remaining in the press box during Carolina’s run to the Stanley Cup.

Here is where Chicago swoops in. Kotkaniemi is a buyout candidate. The Blackhawks could see him as a bounce-back candidate.

At only 25 years old, the idea that he could return to form is not absurd. A low-risk buy who could become a 20/20 player if he can add a defensive game, what harm could a one-year contract do?

Brandon Duhaime

(Photo courtesy of Sam Navarro / Imagn Images)

Like Kotkaniemi, Brandon Duhaime lost his offensive touch this season. Despite playing all 82 regular season games for the Washington Capitals, Duhaime only managed nine points.

Never scoring more than 21 points in a season, Duhaime brings a physical, defensive game to the bottom six that would be vacated by a departing Mikheyev. A bounce back on the offensive side of the ice is reasonable. The 29-year-old still offers upside.

Victor Olofsson

(Photo courtesy of Dennis Schneidler / Imagn Images)

The well-traveled veteran Victor Olofsson is quietly a solid target for Chicago. After an underwhelming stint with the Calgary Flames after a deadline trade, questions remain as to whether he will be re-signed.

Coming off back-to-back one-year contracts, the soon-to-be-31-year-old winger has seen a dip in offensive production since his time in Buffalo, but that should not scare off Chicago in their quest for skilled depth.

Analysis

It is time to swing for the fences. Although I would argue missing the playoffs would not cause Davidson to lose his job, another season of not even sniffing them would put Davidson on the hot seat. The contract extension is a reflection that ownership trusts Davidson; it is now time to reward that trust.

Bigger expectations may lead to bigger heartbreak and frustration, but that is why teams go for it. Davidson should willingly put his feet to the fire. Risks must be taken. The prospect pool is loaded, but that will mean nothing if talent cannot be added elsewhere.

The post ANALYSIS: A few predictions of the Blackhawks’ 2026 offseason appeared first on The Rink.

The 29-year-old, 6-foot-2-inch, 192-pound Ilya Mikheyev began his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019. He signed a four-year contract with the Canucks on July 13, 2022, which has two years remaining at an average annual value of $4.75 million, but the Canucks retained 15% of that deal, so Chicago is on the hook for $4,037,500 for this coming season and next.

Mikheyev has 131 points (60 goals, 71 assists) in 270 regular-season games with the Maple Leafs and Canucks, and four points (two goals, two assists) in 30 playoff games. He can play both wing positions and can easily slot in the Blackhawks’ top six, while also helping Davidson hit the salary cap floor.

Davidson also picked up a name familiar to Blackhawks fans in acquiring the rights to forward Sam Lafferty. Lafferty had his best NHL season with the Blackhawks in 2022–23, when he put up 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 51 games before he was traded to the Maple Leafs on Feb. 27, 2023, prior to the trade deadline. He is scheduled to become a UFA on July 1, but the Blackhawks have negotiating rights to now sign him ahead of that date. The 29-year-old would be able to fill a bottom-six spot if the Blackhawks are able to sign him.

Lafferty was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fourth-round (No. 113) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He has 83 points (36 goals, 47 assists) in 289 regular-season games and three points (one goal, two assists) in 21 playoff games with the Penguins, Blackhawks, Maple Leafs and Canucks.

Analysis

Davidson continues to weaponize his salary cap space and flexibility to take on short-term bloated contracts from teams facing salary cap issues and acquiring additional assets along the way. Mikheyev and Lafferty are fine depth players who can fill out the roster this season as the Blackhawks continue to draft and develop a young core around last season’s prized draft pick Connor Bedard. The fact that Davidson was able to get Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin to eat 15% of Mikheyev’s salary is a master-class move.

This is some voodoo magic shit. You turn an essentially worthless 4th into a 2nd, a possible top 6 roster player and potentially another who had success here. Also helps you get to the floor for 2 seasons. #Blackhawks https://t.co/IeHQLGRwK5

— Puckin Hostile (@PuckinHostile.bsky.social) (@PuckinHostile) June 27, 2024

This move opens up all kinds of possibilities for the Blackhawks. If Mikheyev can re-ignite his career, after knee surgery, he could be a trade deadline flip candidate this year or next. Davidson could eat a portion of his salary and make Mikheyev a reasonably cheap depth acquisition for a contender. If they keep him for the next two seasons, given he has fully recovers from said knee surgery, Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson has a flexible veteran forward to add to an already experienced group of mentors with Nick Foligno, Taylor Hall, Andreas Athanasiou, Ryan Donato, Jason Dickinson, Seth Jones and Connor Murphy.

Lafferty could give the Blackhawks an opportunity to do something that you often hear from fans: Bring back a fan favorite. If Davidson can re-sign him, Lafferty could also be a trade deadline flip once again. His rights could also be traded at the draft for another asset or as part of another deal as well. The Blackhawks are scheduled to make eight picks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft this weekend.

The post BREAKING: Blackhawks acquire Mikheyev, Lafferty and draft pick from Vancouver Canucks appeared first on The Rink.

The-Rink.com co-hosts “Gatekeeper” and “JJ” are joined by staff writer Ray Napientek to chat about the few things abuzz in Blackhawks speculation.

• Blackhawks potential suitors for Ilya Mikheyev
• Kris Versteeg returns to Rockford
• Derek King named Rockford head coach
• Mark Eaton discussed Hawks defensive prospects
• Just what IF the Blackhawks draft Bowen Byram?
• Kane officially a nominee for Ted Lindsay Award
• Don Granato and the Blackhawks mutually part ways
• A little Chicago Steel talk at the end
• We answer some listener and reader questions

Please subscribe, rate this episode, and even write us a review. Reviews will be read on the air.

Also, Please help spread the word to more #RinkRats and visit our sponsor www.PUCKHCKY.com. Use the discount code “THERINK” for 10% off all orders.

The Rinkcast is brought to you by the Overtime Podcast Network

The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Episode 52 – School’s out for Summer appeared first on The Rink.

Vegas is interested but Ilya Mikheyev has other NHL offers too. Speedy versatile RW with a heavy wrist-shot who loves to dangle and is good on a PK https://t.co/ctcpjj1mHO

— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) April 21, 2019

This comes with the (sometimes not obvious enough) disclaimer that half of the other NHL teams are “interested” as well.

Mikheyev is a 6-foot-2, 194-pound left-handed shooting, playmaking wing with nice hands to boot. He just wrapped up his KHL season with Avangard, scoring 45 points (23 goals, 22 assists) in 62 games during the regular season and 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 13 playoff contests. Mikheyev played with former Blackhawks players Kris Versteeg, Cody Franson, Ville Pokka and Viktor Stalberg on Avangard.

According to one scouting report at Dobber Prospects:

Skilled winger with middle-six upside. Capable of both making plays and finishing them. Good skater, good hockey sense, good size. Capable penalty-killer as well.

The post REPORT: Blackhawks interested in free agent Russian wing appeared first on The Rink.