The Chicago Blackhawks have three players set for unrestricted free agency as they tend to extend to help Foligno build a great culture

January 13, 2024 Xtovelgiz NHL 0

When the Chicago Blackhawks signed Nick Foligno to a two-year contract deal, they ensured that their unofficial captain would be there for the rebuild’s middle stages.

Although Foligno is no longer the offensive powerhouse he once was, his leadership has been crucial. He is staying to mentor the young players who the franchise believes will form the basis of the next great Blackhawks squad.

The Chicago Blackhawks have three more players set for unrestricted free agency who should be extended to assist Foligno in creating a strong culture for the next great club.

However, it all boils down to the years that these sportsmen desire. During these rebuilding years, general manager Kyle Davidson wants to keep the salary cap flexible. He is not going to give large sums of money for an extended length of time. That’s one of the reasons Foligno’s contract extension was such a fantastic deal for the team.

The organization did offer him $9 million over two years, but his $4.5 million AAV will be gone shortly. It wasn’t a salary-cap-busting contract like Brent Seabrook’s.

Blackwell Colin
Since returning from an injury that robbed him the second half of last season and two months this season, the gritty forward has provided the much-needed shot in the arm for this squad. He had an immediate impact in his return game against Colorado. He undoubtedly still feels bad for hitting Nate MacKinnon.

He also has two goals and an assist in the Hawks’ most recent victory over Calgary. It was also necessary because it was the Blackhawks’ first game without rookie wonder Connor Bedard.

He must have worked on his offensive skills when he was out, because he has improved significantly since last season. Blackwell has also excelled on the power play. The most crucial aspect is that he is willing to shoot 17 times this month. The Hawks are employing a basic get-the-puck-to-the-net offensive scheme, and his willingness to do so has kept the team competitive since Bedard’s injury.

The fact that he works hard every night is a major reason why the Hawks should retain him around during the rebuilding process. They need a tough-guy on the ice to show the young guns that you have to bring it every shift.

He is already a $1.2 million cap hit, so another two-year contract with a wage raise would be reasonable.

Dickinson Jason
Dickinson’s offseason practice with his shooting has paid off. He has the team’s second most goals and third most points.

It is the first time in his career that he has accomplished double-digit goals. In the middle of December, he blew beyond his career high. He has performed so well this season that he has earned a spot among the team’s top six players.

Dickinson’s dilemma is that this could be his final year. His trade value is unlikely to be this high again, especially with a $2.65 million cap hit. Teams close to the salary cap may be interested in adding his goal-scoring abilities this season since he would be a better match for those teams than others on the trade market.

To optimize his trade, he may need to be part of a package transaction.

He is regarded as a team leader. He’s been wearing the “A” since Seth Jones went on injured reserve.

Dickinson will be 30 next season, so his greatest hockey is far from over. Bringing him back on a two-year deal at roughly the same as Foligno would not bankrupt the Blackhawks. During the reconstruction, this team needs someone to score goals, and Dickinson has worked hard to offer that. Furthermore, bringing him back would be an excellent way to get to the salary cap floor.

However, if a team is willing to give up a high draft pick, he should be traded.  If the Hawks do not move him before the deadline and another team offers him more years on the market based on this season’s production, then let him walk.

Petr Mrazek

Mrazek’s 3.17 goals against average and.903 save percentage appear to be ordinary. Mrazek has been critical to the Hawks’ prospects of victory, thus his numbers are meaningless.

He’s been stopping just enough shots to give the Blackhawks a chance to win every time he steps into the net. Consider his most recent effort against the NHL’s best team, the Winnipeg Jets. For 56 minutes, he shut down one of the top attacks.

The only reason the Hawks lost was because the blue line in front of him fell apart in the final four minutes of the game.

Another pleasant surprise is that Mrazek has avoided his usual trip to the injured reserve. Mrazek has a strong argument to be the team’s All-Star Game substitute for Connor Bedard.

Consider that for a moment. Last year, the Toronto Maple Leafs offered the Hawks a first-round selection in exchange for his salary, and he would return to Toronto to play in the All-Star Game.

His outstanding season may be appealing to a competitive team in need of goaltender help. At the same time, Arvid Soderblom’s troubles this season have raised serious doubts about whether he will ever be a No. 1 goaltender. Drew Commesso is the Hawks’ other goaltender prospect with the potential to be a great goalie. He’ll need another year in Rockford before he’s ready to play in the NHL.

That is why Mrazek should be considered for a bridge goaltender extension until Commesso is ready or Soderblom establishes he is the guy in goal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*