The Blackhawks improved drastically by signing eight players on the first day of free agency. Now Chicago has fewer roster spots up for grabs to start next season.
The Chicago Blackhawks had a busy first day of free agency on July 1, bringing in eight players to help the team improve. This means that the roster got a lot more full and competitive for spots when 2024 training camp rolls around.
For two top forward prospects who got a taste of NHL action at the end of the 2023-24 season, this could mean starting the season in the AHL and going from there.
Landon Slaggert
Landon Slaggert's NCAA season at Notre Dame ended fairly early, so he was signed and dressed for 16 NHL games to close out the season, scoring one goal and recording four points.
The 13th overall draft pick in 2022, Frank Nazar III wrapped up his season with Michigan in the NCAA after reaching the Frozen Four. Then the No. 2 Blackhawks prospect in THN's 2024 Future Watch signed and suited up for three games with Chicago before the season ended. Nazar's debut against Carolina was notable as he scored on his first shot on a breakaway.
Both Nazar and Slaggert proved they have a place in the NHL at some point, but the Blackhawks have quickly turned from a developmental team that is purely rebuilding to a team that is ready to push for a playoff spot immediately and surprise.
General manager Kyle Davidson has said every player would have an equal shot at making the Blackhawks in training camp, so Nazar, Slaggert or both could surprise and earn their spot. But the two forwards won't be under immediate pressure and could more realistically start the season in the AHL playing higher up in the lineup on the Rockford IceHogs. This will not only better acclimate them to the professional level, but improve the odds of them being ready to contribute every night once they return to the NHL.
Nazar's ceiling is much higher than Slaggert's, since the speedy forward was drafted in the top half of the first round in 2022. Slaggert was taken in the third round, 79th overall in 2020.
When Slaggert earns a full-time role in the NHL, it will be in the bottom-6. That is the type of player he is and where he's best suited. Nazar, on the other hand, played on the second line in his short stint with Chicago to end last season and the organization hopes he can become a top-6 forward.
A top prospect with Nazar's talent needs more reps and ice time higher in a lineup. It is much more difficult to get the most out of a skilled player when he is placed in a checking role for example. The lowest Nazar should be slotted in at the NHL level is on the third line, but as it stands, he would have to compete with players like Lukas Reichel, Ilya Mikheyev and Nick Foligno for that role on the Blackhawks.
If Slaggert, who is two years older than Nazar and has more size, is going to make the Blackhawks this season, it will be in a fourth line role. This spot is a bit easier to win as the competition includes players like Pat Maroon, Joey Anderson, Craig Smith and Ryan Donato.
Both Nazar and Slaggert are exempt from waivers next season. They have to play their way onto the team while the more-established players will have to play their way off the roster.
It makes sense not to expose more players through waivers than necessary. Nazar and Slaggert should be among the first forwards to get the call-up in the wake of injuries or anything else that clears a roster spot if they both start in the AHL instead of on the Blackhawks.
