After enduring another tough regular season in 2023-24, finishing near the bottom of the standings, the Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for an intriguing offseason. The emergence of Connor Bedard as a cornerstone player gives the Blackhawks a solid foundation to build upon and significant flexibility to enhance their roster over the summer.
Starting with the NHL Draft, the Blackhawks hold the second overall pick after missing out on consecutive draft lotteries. It is widely anticipated that the San Jose Sharks will select Macklin Celebrini with the top pick. Consequently, the Blackhawks are expected to choose between defenseman Artyom Levshunov or forward Ivan Demidov, both of whom are projected to become elite players.
Following the draft, the next pivotal date for the Blackhawks is July 1, the start of free agency. For the 2024-25 season, Chicago already has 10 forwards, four defensemen, and two goalies under contract. They are likely to re-sign most of their restricted free agents and promote some prospects to the NHL level, but they will still have significant cap space to work with—nearly $33 million.
This substantial cap flexibility allows General Manager Kyle Davidson to potentially pursue high-profile free agents. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has suggested that the Blackhawks are interested in Jake Guentzel, who has ties to the American Midwest. Securing Guentzel to a long-term contract could provide a crucial piece alongside Bedard, offering stability and talent to the forward lineup for years to come.
Despite any major acquisitions, the Blackhawks face a challenging path to playoff contention next season. The Central Division is expected to be competitive, led by strong teams such as the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Winnipeg Jets. However, with strategic moves and a bit of luck, the Blackhawks might surpass teams like the Utah Hockey Club, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues.
Adding one or two marquee players would not only boost the Blackhawks’ competitiveness for the 2024-25 season but also support the development of their younger players. Bedard’s presence accelerates the rebuilding process, giving Chicago a unique advantage compared to other teams in similar situations.
 Key Offseason Actions
1. 2024 NHL Draft : With the second overall pick, selecting a high-caliber player like Artyom Levshunov or Ivan Demidov can provide an immediate impact and a promising future.
2. Free Agency (Starting July 1) : Utilizing their $33 million cap space, the Blackhawks have the opportunity to target top-tier free agents. Jake Guentzel is one potential target who could be a game-changer for the team’s forward lines.
3. Roster Management : Re-signing restricted free agents and promoting prospects will help fill out the roster. However, strategic acquisitions are essential to plug remaining gaps and add depth.
Long-Term Outlook
The Blackhawks’ offseason strategy focuses on leveraging Bedard’s talent and their financial flexibility to expedite the rebuilding process. While immediate playoff success might be elusive, these efforts aim to create a competitive team that can grow and improve steadily. This offseason presents a crucial window for the Blackhawks to lay the groundwork for future success, making calculated investments that could pay off significantly in the coming years.
By making savvy draft choices and strategic free-agent signings, the Blackhawks can transform their offseason opportunities into tangible progress on the ice, setting the stage for a more competitive and exciting 2024-25 season and beyond.
