3 under-the-radar free agents the Chicago Blackhawks should consider pursuing

If reports are to be believed, it would seem that the Chicago Blackhawks are cruising for a very underwhelming summer. Scott Powers in particular has been indicating recently that we should not expect the Hawks to be aggressive in their pursuit of a top tier free agent like Mitch Marner or Nikolaj Ehlers.

While this news is unquestionably disappointing given how dreadful the Hawks have been the last few seasons, we must keep in mind that it "takes two to tango." The Hawks could offer Marner a massive contract, but he would still have to choose to come to Chicago. We can't just force these players to come here. Which is precisely why a trade is so appealing, as then the Hawks could exercise a greater degree of control in going out and acquiring a player without the necessity of negotiating with that player directly.

However, as I have been looking through the available free agents this summer, I see several names that I think could be diamonds in the rough. As I mentioned previously, I think Kyle Davidson will need to get creative if he wants to improve the roster through free agency while also not acquiring one of this summers' big fish.

Joel Kiviranta

This is certainly not a big name, but Kiviranta is a very solid depth forward who had a career scoring season last year with the Avs, where he scored 16 goals. He is a player sort of in the Ryan Donato mold, as he isn't the biggest guy but is very versatile and can play multiple places in the lineup.

He also wouldn't cost much, and the Hawks could use a guy like Kiviranta to play in the bottom six alongside some of our younger bottom-six guys like Landon Slaggert and Colton Dach. I like the fit, and I would imagine that 2 years at $2 million per season would get it done.

Not to mention, some Hawks fans will hear his name and mistakenly think that we re-signed Hawks legend Antti Raanta! It's a win, win, win!

Nate Schmidt:

I know that there are several factors working against this happening.

First, the Hawks have a glut of young star-potential defensemen that they want to give opportunities to next season. Second, if the Panthers offer Schmidt a contract to stick around, he would likely take it.

However, I hate the idea of rolling into next season with Connor Murphy being the only veteran defenseman on the Hawks' entire roster. I think Schmidt would be a nice depth option, who could play in the top 4 if needed or on the bottom pairing. He would essentially be a better version of what Alec Martinez or T.J. Brodie were supposed to be.

Davidson could also likely tempt Schmidt away from the Panthers if he were willing to offer enough money. If the Hawks gave Schmidt a one-year, $4.5 million contract, I wouldn't bat an eye. He has championship experience, and as I mentioned before, I certainly hope that the Hawks are looking to add at least one other veteran defenseman for next season.

Gabe Vilardi

This one would require an offer sheet, but honestly, I would be more than happy to pay extra for Vilardi. Last season, Vilardi had 27 goals and 34 assists for 61 points. He is a big, bruising power forward at 6-foot-3 and 215 lbs, and he fills a need that the Hawks have in their top six forwards.

I would imagine that Winnipeg is very keen to keep him, but as we have seen in the past, not all players love playing long-term in Winnipeg's frozen tundra.

I think if the Hawks offered him something like five years at $8 million per season, the Jets would have to consider whether they wish to match that deal or not. If this is at all possible, I think that the Hawks should certainly pursue him. Guys like Vilardi are coveted around the league, and adding him to the Blackhawks' top six would instantly improve their offensive output. I especially like the fit alongside Bedard.

Vilardi has played wing a lot in Winnipeg, and so Jeff Blashill could slot him in on Bedard's right and let him be the wrecking ball that he was born to be. He can do the dirty work necessary to allow Bedard to find his elite game at the NHL level.

Any of these options would be an upgrade to the Hawks current roster. I'm hopeful that Kyle Davidson is able to get creative this summer as he attempts to better this team.