The Hockey News
After signing eight free agents on July 1, Blackhawks are already stocked with veterans. See the full depth charts in The Hockey News Yearbook, available at newsstands and via The Hockey News Store. https://thehockeynews.store/
No, a player like defenseman Jarred Tinordi won’t be scooped up at the last minute to fill a roster spot. The Blackhawks have about $6.7 million of space under the NHL’s $88 million salary cap. When it comes to numbers, Davidson could easily add one more veteran player, even on a traditional one-year contract without resorting to a lower-risk professional tryout (PTO).
The Blackhawks payroll is set to drop to $57.4 million in 2025-26 as six players become free agents and forward Philipp Kurashev becomes an RFA. But Davidson needs to maintain wiggle room to re-signs Kurashev and possibly upcoming veteran UFA’s Taylor Hall, Andreas Athanasiou, Ryan Donato, Pat Maroon, Craig Smith and Alec Martinez, depending on how their 2024-25 seasons work out.
Related: Blackhawks Have Important Decision to Make on Philipp Kurashev’s Next Contract
Simply, the shopping list of current free agents isn’t especially compelling in comparison to what the Blackhawks already have.
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So unless someone gets injured, don’t expect the Blackhawks to go after the likes of James van Riemsdyk, Tyson Barrie or Max Pacioretty.
Related: Is Eight Enough? Blackhawks Lengthen Free Agent Flurry, Sign D-Man T.J. Brodie on Monday Evening
Instead, tune in to training camp and see how promising youngsters battle for jobs. They won’t be handed out just because Chicago needs to fill an NHL spot and hopes a prospect is ready. A year ago, Lukas Reichel was pencilled in as the No. 2 center behind Connor Bedard. Reichel is at best a No. 4 center this time and might land back at Rockford of the AHL.
Here’s an early glimpse of the Chicago roster by positions.
Goaltending is set with Petr Mrazek and Laurent Benoit. Arvid Söderblom and Drew Commesso will play at Rockford.
Related: Laurent Brossoit is Blackhawks’ Most Underrated Offseason Addition
Given the additions at forward, the likes of Frank Nazar III and Landon Slaggert will have to make big impressions to stick in the NHL. The former collegiates might be better served with a top-6 forward role at AHL Rockford than a fourth-line spot in Chicago. The same goes for Reichel, who sputtered last season.
The Blackhawks have a wave of prospects on defense, but added Martinez and T.J. Brodie as free agents. Even smooth-skating Kevin Korchinski might have to battle for the sixth spot on the blue line after averaging 19:37 of ice time as 19-year-old rookie last season. And remember, coach Luke Richardson says Korchinski’s abilities are in line with those of Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer’s.
Expect 6-foot-4, 210-pound Ethan Del Mastro to push for a spot after a terrific season at Rockford. Del Mastro along with D-men Wyatt Kaiser and Nolan Allan are top-10 prospects in THN’s 2024 Future Watch. You can still get that at The Hockey News Store.
Then there’s No. 2 overall draft pick Artyom Levshunov. He man-sized already at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, even if he doesn’t turn 19 until October.
Levshunov signed a pro contract last month and is chomping at the bit to test his skills training camp. Odds are he lands in Rockford.
Related: No. 2 Overall 2024 NHL Draft Pick Artyom Levshunov To Debut As Blackhawk at Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase Next Month
