MacKenzie Entwistle and Reese Johnson settle for two-way deals elsewhere. Tyler Johnson still adrift.
The Blackhawks' free agent signing spree on Monday made it clear: There was no longer any room on the team's roster for many players from last season's 23-53-56, 31st place squad.
Taylor Raddysh as moved on to Washington.
After adding eight UFAs, seven of whom are new to the organization, the Blackhawks should be better next season. Incoming veterans such at Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, Alec Martinez and T.J. Brodie will improve the quality of the roster around Connor Bedard, Kevin Korchinski, Alex Vlasic and other foundational young players.
Meanwhile, other top prospects won't be under immediate pressure to perform in the NHL.
Here's where the departed Chicago players from the 2023-24 Blackhawks team have landed:
Colin Blackwell: The 30-year-old energy forward signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with Dallas after notching eight goals and 12 points last season. Blackwell rebounded with gusto in 44 games last season after a rough recovery from hernia surgery.
Taylor Raddysh: The native of Georgetown, Ontario signed a one-year, $1 million deal with Washington. Raddysh actually moved up in AAV from an $883,000 contract in Chicago, despite a huge drop in production last season The 6-foot-3, 200-pound winger finished with only five goals and 14 points in 2023-24 — and didn't score in this final 44 games — after posting 20 goals and 37 points in 2022-23.
MacKenzie Entwistle: Another native of Georgetown — and Raddysh's longtime pal in the prestigious Toronto Marlies program — the 6-foot-3 Entwistle signed a $775,000 two-way contract with Florida.
Reese Johnson: The gritty fourth-line forward inked a $775,000 two-way deal with Minnesota.
Tyler Johnson is an unsigned UFA
Tyler Johnson: Johnson, who turns 34 this month, is still a UFA after his seven-year, $35 million contract ran out. Johnson, who fought his way back after an artificial disk replacement in his neck, left Chicago saying he wanted to play meaningful games again. Johnson signed his big contract with Tampa Bay in 2017 when he was producing more consistently with the Lightning. He had 17 goals and 31 points in 67 games last season.
Jarred Tinordi: The big, tough, likeable — but mistake-prone — defenseman remains an unsigned UFA.
Jaycob Megna: The journeyman D-man was selected off waivers from Seattle in January 2024 when the Blackhawks were riddled by injuries. The Chicago area native remains an unsigned UFA.
