5 moves the Chicago Blackhawks need to make this offseason
2. Get Extensions Done With DeBrincat And Strome
As I wrote earlier, the Chicago Blackhawks finally have some cap space. However, that’s not the total truth. While they do have cap space, the Blackhawks will have to worry about Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome. Both will be RFAs after the 2019-20 season. It would be very wise for the Blackhawks to address this starting on July 1, when they are eligible to sign extensions.
DeBrincat could be due a significant raise. His next contract is hard to project because one of his closest comparables (Brock Boeser) needs an extension this summer. However, DeBrincat can score goals and few do it better than him. He scored 41 goals this season, so his price is sky high.
Sure, the Blackhawks could adopt a “wait and see” approach. However, keep in mind the Toronto Maple Leafs did this with Mitch Marner last summer and they’re regretting it right now. Signing him now would likely lower his cost a little bit. As an added bonus, it would give the Blackhawks a much clearer future regarding their salary cap.
Related Story. Every Team's Greatest Player Of All-Time. light
Strome is a more interesting candidate. Things seemed to click for him the moment he arrived in Chicago. In Arizona, Strome put up six points in 20 games. With the Blackhawks, he turned into nearly a point per game player with 51 points in 58 games. Strome had a 20 goal season in his first full NHL season.
On the bright side, he’d probably be a bit more willing than DeBrincat to sign an extension a year ahead of his first RFA year. The “wait and see” approach makes way more sense with Strome due to his small sample size. But still, if the Blackhawks can work something out with him, it would make things a lot easier.