The NHL free agent pool has notably shrunk since it opened on July 1st, which is expected as teams usually make their moves early in the free agency period. Despite this trend, some experienced players remain unsigned, including former Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Motte.
At 30 years old, Motte played last season with the Detroit Red Wings, appearing in 55 games. The Michigan native recorded four goals, five assists, totaling nine points, and made 72 hits. It was a relatively quiet season for Motte, which may explain why he hasn’t yet secured a new contract. However, his ability to play multiple positions, kill penalties, and engage physically still makes him a valuable asset. He could be an appealing addition for teams seeking a versatile and tough bottom-six forward.
Motte represents the kind of depth player teams look for, especially on a budget-friendly one-year deal. Drafted 121st overall by the Blackhawks in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Motte played 33 games with Chicago during the 2016-17 season, scoring four goals and earning a plus-two rating. His tenure with the Blackhawks ended when he was traded alongside Artemi Panarin to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2017 offseason.
In contrast, the Blackhawks had a successful 2023-24 season with Jason Dickinson, who set personal bests by scoring 22 goals and 35 points in 82 games. This followed his previous career highs of nine goals and 30 points in 78 games during the 2022-23 season.
(Photo credit: ©Jasen Vinlove)
Fan Take: This update on Tyler Motte highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities for veterans navigating the NHL free agent market. Hockey fans should keep an eye on Motte’s potential bounce-back, as players like him can bring much-needed grit and flexibility that often make the difference in a team’s depth and overall success.
