Hockey News continues its NHL Summer Splash rankings with an analysis of the Chicago Blackhawks. This series highlights the teams that have performed worst in terms of player acquisitions, departures, staffing, and overall activity during the offseason. While some teams haven’t regressed compared to last year, they have generally made fewer moves than expected.
The series began with the Buffalo Sabres, who slightly improved their defense but saw their forward lineup weaken, making them less likely to progress. Similarly, the Blackhawks also made fewer moves than anticipated.
Additions
New additions include Andre Burakovsky (LW), Sam Lafferty (C), Dominic Toninato (C), and Jeff Blashill (Coach). GM Kyle Davidson is focused on rebuilding around a young, talented core led by superstar Connor Bedard, who needs skilled wingers to maximize his impact. Burakovsky stands out as the biggest free-agent pick-up, but there are doubts about whether he can effectively support Bedard, given his moderate recent production.
The Blackhawks still have $21.4 million in salary cap space but haven’t used it to sign any top-tier talent, which is frustrating for fans. Past offseasons saw moves for players like Teuvo Teravainen and Taylor Hall, but the right line to support Bedard has yet to materialize. Anton Lundell, a former first-round pick, might join Bedard in the future, but reports indicate he may play in the Swedish league in 2025-26.
New head coach Jeff Blashill, formerly an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning, replaces Anders Sorensen, who remains as an assistant despite a poor interim record. At 51, Blashill can still connect well with players but faces a tough challenge with a roster lacking top-level talent.
Departures
The Blackhawks lost several veteran players including Patrick Maroon (LW), Kurasshev Philipp (C), Joseph Veleno (C), TJ Prodie (D), and Alec Martinez (D). While these players brought professionalism and experience, none of their departures create irreplaceable gaps. Younger players will be expected to fill the open roster spots, which serves as both an opportunity and a risk for the team’s development.
Conclusion
Chicago’s future looks promising thanks to exciting young talents like Bedard and prospects Artyom Levshunov, Frank Nazar, Sam Rinzel, Oliver Moore, and Anton Lundell. However, the main problem is their present roster, which consists largely of average veterans, journeymen, and developing youngsters.
Re-signing Donato with a $4 million cap hit was a smart move, but overall, the team has not significantly improved. While tanking was the right long-term strategy, the offseason moves have been insufficient to make the Blackhawks competitive in the tough Central Division.
The team still holds valuable draft picks, salary cap space, and payroll retention options to make trades and upgrades but hasn’t capitalized on those assets yet. Given that Burakovsky, who hasn’t scored more than 13 goals in the past three seasons, is the marquee offseason signing, it’s unlikely the Blackhawks’ rankings will improve much. Their best hope may lie in future drafts, like the opportunity to select Gavin McKenna next year.
Summer Splash Rankings
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Buffalo Sabres
Fan Take: This report matters to hockey fans because it highlights the challenges rebuilding teams face balancing youth development with the need to remain competitive. For the Blackhawks, it underscores the importance of smart offseason moves to avoid stagnation and keep fans hopeful for a brighter future.
