There is still a lot yet to happen for the Chicago Blackhawks this offseason including the draft, free agency, and anywhere in between where the team may make a trade.
Chicago Blackhawks (Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images)
While a lot could change, I am going to put together a projected roster including players the team could add at those important stops in the offseason.
Forwards
Ryan Donato - Connor Bedard - Free Agent/Trade Acquisition
Michael Misa/James Hagens - Frank Nazar - Teuvo Teravainen
Tyler Bertuzzi - Oliver Moore - Ilya Mikheyev
Nick Foligno - Jason Dickinson - Lukas Reichel
Joe Veleno, Landon Slaggert
Defense
Alex Vlasic - Sam Rinzel
Kevin Korchinski - Artyom Levshunov
Wyatt Kaiser - Connor Murphy
Ethan Del Mastro
Goalies
Spencer Knight
Arvid Soderblom
This look for the Blackhawks has a number of things we have to go over. The goaltending will stay the same. Soderblom really stepped up when given the chance this season and Knight was brought in and did well enough down the stretch despite a very young team playing in front of him. Drew Commesso isn't ready for a role in the NHL yet and free agency wouldn't do the Blackhawks any more justice than the current tandem.
The defense is filled with young talent, but I think Murphy is going to stick around until at least the trade deadline. If he isn't on the team, and assuming TJ Brodie is bought out, then the oldest Blackhawks d-man would be Vlasic who will just have turned 23 years old. Nolan Allan probably deserves more NHL time, but unless there's injuries or struggles, he and Louis Crevier are going to start behind the pack. I even think Crevier could be dealt and Allan will become a full-time option by mid-season.
The forwards are interesting. I think the Blackhawks will come to terms with Donato and he will be back in the top-6 proving people wrong. He had too good of a season for Chicago to not trade him and be stingy with term and money with so much available.
I expect veterans like Teravainen, Bertuzzi, Dickinson, Foligno, and Mikheyev to all be back, even if just for this season. Newly added free agents Teravainen and Bertuzzi did their jobs and what was expected of them, and Mikheyev surprised with a strong season.
This will of course block some of the younger players like Reichel and Veleno from getting more time higher in the lineup, and young forwards on the brink like Colton Dach, Ryan Greene, Aidan Thompson, and Slaggert from getting into every game too.
I don't see Philipp Kurashev coming back, so that should fortunately free up a spot for another player.
With the Blackhawks drafting third this year, the expectation is that Michael Misa or James Hagens will be available at their pick. Either one should be able to step into the NHL if they choose next season. The second or thing line would suit them best. There's too much pressure and tough line matches on the top line and not enough skill and ice time on the fourth line.
Finally, Chicago should target big names this offseason, whether it be in free agency or in a trade. Players like Mitch Marner, Brock Boeser, and Nikolaj Ehlers are likely at the top of that list. Any one of them would slot in nicely on that top line and top power play.
