Blackhawks Summer Checklist: Rockford, Signings & Player Targets

Once the Blackhawks decide how to proceed with these players, meaning whether they think they will likely want them to get more seasoning in Rockford, it should help determine their next steps. 

Step 2: Who Else Might The Blackhawks Re-Sign?

In many ways, re-signing Vlasic and Reichel were the “no-brainers” and probably the easiest part of the offseason, but now it comes back to who else they could re-sign. Most of the players on the team were “fill-ins” and not considered prime candidates to get extensions, so the list is minimal. I think there are only three players they will consider.

If they decide to re-sign any of these players, they should be able to get them on a team-friendly deal.

Step 3: Who The Blackhawks Could Target?

As you can see, there are many questions surrounding goaltending, defense, and forwards. Besides having over $30 million in cap space, the team has draft picks it can utilize to add players instead of just relying on free agency in July. Here are some options.

Nikolaj Ehlers

Reports emerged that the Winnipeg Jets could make Nikolaj Ehlers available ahead of the NHL Draft on June 28. The 28-year-old has one year left on his seven-year deal ($6 million AAV) and has a 10-team no-trade list. He might be one to look at. Because he only has one year left on his deal, he could be a short-term solution to the offense that could turn into a long-term fit if it works out. Now, the Jets won’t just give him away. He was in the top five on their team in scoring, scoring 61 points in 82 games, and his 81-game average was 27 points, 35 assists, and 62 points. He is also a career plus-92.

The Blackhawks have draft picks they could dangle: 27 picks in the next three drafts. It could be one to explore. Adding him to a top six with Connor Bedard, Philipp Kurashev, and Taylor Hall sounds lovely. 

Chandler Stephenson

Chandler Stephenson is one I keep circling back to. The Vegas Golden Knights’ center had 51 points in 75 games, with a faceoff percentage of 52.6%, and is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion. He’s coming off a four-year deal ($2.75 million AAV), so he may be in for a payday. But if the Blackhawks wanted a $4 million AAV for two or three years, maybe that would be enticing. I’m bringing his name up because Scott Powers of The Athletic mentioned the Hawks could be looking for a second-line center if they missed out on Macklin Celebrini. (from ‘What I’m hearing about the Blackhawks heading into the NHL Draft Lottery’ – The Athletic – 05/07/2024).

This fit might be a long shot as he will have plenty of suitors, including Vegas. Obviously, Steven Stamkos generated a lot of buzz as well if the Tampa Bay Lightning let him walk, but Chicago will have some fun options there. 

Troy Stecher

If the Blackhawks want to explore veteran defensemen, I have my eye on 30-year-old Troy Stecher. He is always a hot commodity and is currently with the Edmonton Oilers. He had nine points in 54 games and was a plus-9. He shouldn’t command a ton, as his salary cap hit is $1.1 million. He is a right-handed defenseman, too, which is something the Blackhawks have been needing. The veteran option could give the prospects more development time in Rockford. He could be worth a call.

Overall, this is a big offseason for Davidson. He said it is time for the team to start improving, which puts more pressure on himself than before. They have many options to boost this team via their farm system and from the outside, but many tough decisions still need to be made. However, one thing is certain: the Blackhawks are one to watch this summer.