Keys to the Chicago Blackhawks offseason
ESPN’s Ryan S. Clarke and Kristen Shelton: I look at the keys to the offseason for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Estimated cap: $40.2 million
2026 draft picks: 1st, 1st (FLA, if not in 10), 2nd, 2nd (TOR), 2nd (NYI)
Getting Connor Bedard signed to a contract extension is obviously a top priority for them. The Blackhawks may be looking to add veterans to their blue line, as they currently have seven Dmen under contract, and all are under the age of 24.
Their forward group is also small, and they will need to make decisions by waiting on UFA striker Ilya Mikheyev and Sam Lafferty. Forward Andre Burakovsky is entering the final year of his $5 million contract. He hasn’t scored 20 goals or 40 points since 2021-22, so they’ll need to decide if he’s worth sticking around.
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Free agent and trade options for the San Jose Sharks
Sheng Peng of NBC Sports Bay Area: The San Jose Sharks need to add to their blue line this offseason as they only have two players under contract – Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson. Shakir Mukhamadullin is an RFA, and Eric Pohlkamp could be ready to jump. Mario Ferraro and Vincent Desharnais are UFAs and are return options.
If making the playoffs next is what they want to do, they will need to make one or two key additions to the blue line.
Free agent options
Darren Raddysh – Tampa Bay Lightning – The 30-year-old would be the perfect addition to their power play.
John Carlson – Anaheim Ducks – At 36 years old, age is a problem. It can be a good bridge until the prospects are ready.
Jacob Trouba – Anaheim Ducks – GM Mike Grier is familiar with Trouba from their NY Rangers days. The 32-year-old brings the size and physicality Grier is looking for.
Rasmus Andersson – Vegas Golden Knights – It is believed that he wants to expand in Vegas, even before they trade him.
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Trading Options
Simon Nemec – New Jersey Devils – Some like him, some don’t. What will new Devils GM Sunny Mehta think of him?
Filip Hronek – Vancouver Canucks – Is he still available? He should, but he wouldn’t come cheap. A No. 2 or 3 Dman.
Darnell Nurse – Edmonton Oilers – $9.25 million cap hit in 2030 for 31-year-old. $9.25 million is his only issue.
Morgan Rielly – Toronto Maple Leafs – He’s not bringing the offense as well as he once did, with questions about his defensive game and passing. 32 and under contract through 2030 at $7.5 million.
Dougie Hamilton – New Jersey Devils – Two years at $9 million left on the 32-year-old. He blocked a trade with the Sharks last season. Could the Sharks’ improvement change his mind this offseason?
Others who could be available or the Sharks could target include Roman Josi, Josh Morrissey, Adam Fox, Vladislav Gavrikov, Brandon Montour, Vince Dunn, Colton Parayko, Bowen Byram, and Owen Power.
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