The Blackhawks made the right call with these 3 restricted free agents

Yesterday, on the eve of free agency, the Chicago Blackhawks tendered qualifying offers to three restricted free agents—Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier and Arvid Soderblom.

For general manager Kyle Davidson, keeping Kaiser, Crevier and Soderblom was the right call, and the Hawks should moved sooner than later to get all three players signed to new contracts.

Blackhawks dishing out qualifying offers to Soderblom, Kaiser and Crevier was the right call.

Arvid Soderblom, 25, played in 36 games last season registering a 10-18-7 recod during that time. For the Blackhawks, Soderblom was all but written off entering the 2024-25 NHL Season. The Hawks looked ready to turn the page on the young goaltender after a poor 2023-24 NHL Season.

Soderblom responded well. After Laurent Brossoit missed the start of the season with an injury, Soderblom stepped in and earned a spot on the Hawks, backing up Mrazek and contending for the starter's crease most of the season. With Brossoit continuing to miss time, Soderblom seemed like a true contender to be the Blackhawks' starter long term—until the Hawks traded for Spencer Knight.

Spencer Knight looks like the goaltender set to lead the Hawks out of their rebuild, but Soderblom still could be a legit option as the Hawks' backup. Bringing him back for another season is definitely the right move.

When it comes to Kaiser and Crevier, both defenders played well during their opportunities with the Hawks. Crevier getting tendered a contract was a big win; the former seventh-round pick has made a name for himself over the last two seasons.

Crevier has size and looked capable on the blue line last season, especially playing alongside Alex Vlasic. At 6-foot-8, Crevier has the exact build the Blackhawks are looking for.

Chicago did part ways with a few players. Philipp Kurashev, who could have been a restricted free agent, was not tendered a qualifying offer. The same is true for Jalen Luypen, Aku Raty and Antti Saarela. The Hawks are making way for the next generation of young prospects, but bringing back Soderblom, Kaiser and Crevier is not going to affect anyone from competing for a spot in training camp.