The Chicago Blackhawks are a team to watch during the 2024 NHL off-season. While they are rebuilding, they will enter the summer with plenty of cap space to use to their advantage.
Rookie sensation Connor Bedard would benefit from the Blackhawks bringing in more scoring forwards. The only Blackhawks forward beside him with over 40 points is Philipp Kurashev, and the team’s production drops off notably after him. Thus, Chicago would be wise to give Bedard more help.
If they don’t win the NHL draft lottery for the second year in a row, which would give them to draft another highly touted forward in Macklin Celebrini, free agency could be where to go.
Here are three pending free agents who could make sense for the Blackhawks this off-season.
Jake DeBrusk
Jake DeBrusk is a very intriguing pending UFA. The Boston Bruins have yet to sign the 2015 first-round pick to an extension, and he’s taken a bit of a step back from last year’s 50-point campaign with 39 in 76 games this season. There’s a real shot he will hit the market. If he does, the Blackhawks should look to target him.
DeBrusk, 27, is an effective top-six winger with multiple years left in his prime. Because of this, he would be a fit into the Blackhawks’ rebuilding plans. Along with that, his shoot-first mentality could make him thrive on a line with a star playmaker like Bedard.
Daniel Sprong
Daniel Sprong is another pending UFA who could grab the Blackhawks’ attention. After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Seattle Kraken this past off-season, he signed a one-year pact with the Detroit Red Wings. This move has worked well for Sprong, as he’s having a solid year with the Original Six club. In 71 games, the 27-year-old has 17 goals and 40 points.
Like DeBrusk, Sprong is still young enough to make an impact for Chicago for multiple seasons if signed. With that, if given more minutes on the Blackhawks, his production could improve.
Tyler Bertuzzi
The Toronto Maple Leafs have some big decisions this off-season, and Tyler Bertuzzi is one of their most notable pending UFAs. If the Leafs can’t get him re-signed or elect to let him walk, he’s a player the Blackhawks must consider.
While Bertuzzi has had a shaky season, he has improved down the stretch and is a legitimate top-six winger when performing at his best. Besides Bertuzzi’s solid offensive production, his gritty style of play also makes him effective. Because of this, he would be a big-time addition to the Blackhawks’ roster.
For more on whether the Blackhawks should go hunting for some bigger names if they don’t get Macklin Celebrini at the NHL draft, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos debate:
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News Summary:
- Three Chicago Blackhawks Free Agent Targets to Help Connor Bedard
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