The Chicago Blackhawks are going to have their work cut out for them this offseason.
The Blackhawks' roster currently only has 12 players signed past this season, so there is a chance the team could see a lot of turnover this summer. The team has their star in Connor Bedard, they have the buildling block of a great defense with guys like Kevin Korchinski and Alex Vlasic, and they have a good veteran presence in players like Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno.
Even with all those pieces in place, the Blackhawks drastically need to improve their team through free agency if they are going to take a step forward. This season is another year in the rebuild near the bottom of the standings, and while that is okay teams like Buffalo and Ottawa are showing just how hard it is to move up from that bottom floor.
There are a number of potential game changers set to become free agents this offseason. Guys like Steven Stamkos and Elias Pettersson both are on the final year of their current contracts. Additionally Sam Reinhart who recently played in the Stanley Cup Final is set to get a new contract this offseason.
The Blackhawks could potentially make a big splash in the free agent pool with plenty of money to spend. There even are a few former Hawks that could make sense for a reunion if the time is right.
Three former Blackhawks Kyle Davidson should sign this offseason.
1. Max Domi
Max Domi was a workhorse on a bad Blackhawks team last season. Through 60 games he put up 18 goals and 49 points playing a big role in the top six before getting traded to the Dallas Stars. Domi has played in 50 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs putting up a respectable 25 points.
The Hawks could afford to sign Domi this offseason giving him a pretty lucrative deal to become a major factor in the future of this team. The former 2013 first round pick is only 28, turning 29 on March 2, 2024. He still has a lot of good hockey ahead of him and the team can afford to dish out a three or four year contract to a player that helps set the tone night in and night out.
2. Teuvo Teravainen
While less likely, Teuvo Teravainen is playing out the final year of his current contract. After starting his first three seasons in the NHL with the Blackhawks, winning the Stanley Cup in his rookie season, Teravainen has played in over 500 games with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Blackhawks need talent to help make up their roster and Teravainen could be a top six winger that can play with someone like Connor Bedard. While Teravainen has not scored more than 23 goals in a single season, this year he already has 16 and has played pretty well. If the Hurricanes let him reach free agency the Blackhawks should definitely consider adding the former Hawk.
3. Patrick Kane
Patrick Kane has played in 39 regular season games with a team that is not the Chicago Blackhawks. It still feels weird seeing the former star player play on a different team, especially the Red Wings this season.
The Blackhawks have given Bedard the room. He and other players in the locker room have been able to make this team their own, and why not bring Patrick Kane home after that? The Blackhawks could use Kane. There is no reason to think the three time Stanley Cup Champ doesn't have plenty of good hockey ahead of him.
Kane could still be a big part of the next championship team in Chicago. If the team lands another top pick this summer bringing him back might just be the best thing this team could do.