Blackhawks Depth Chart and Cap Audit: The Books Look Damn Good

The Chicago Blackhawks depth chart has some NHL talent on it. It features some of the young core that should help the Hawks down the road while practicing fiscal responsibility.

But will general manager Kyle Davidson’s plan work? Chicago enters the 2024-25 season trying to move past the tank version of the rebuild and into moving the needle closer to contention. Some things have worked out beautifully well–such as winning the sweepstakes for Connor Bedard and reeling in a second overall pick to snag Artyom Levshunov. So with a couple young core pieces in place–not to mention a few others in Alex Vlasic, Frank Nazar, and Kevin Korchinski, how does the Blackhawks depth chart shake out both financially and for the future?

CHN’s audit ranks by term as without question, it often is what teams live and die by as they get to contention. Much of the young talent is in development, but as it gets closer to Chicago, how do things shape out for stable contention? Here’s a look.

Blackhawks Depth Chart Peppered With Reasonable Term

It’s by design for Davidson–who overpaid with some to keep term down for the future. How many trades did Davidson make easing other team’s burdens–only to get a little bit more of a value out of those as well? Petr Mrazek comes immediately to mind along with Jason Dickinson.

Here’s a breakdown of how the different terms and where the projected opening night lineup falls into line.

Three Years or More

Seth Jones – 6 years, $9.5M AAV
Alex Vlasic – 6 years, $4.6M AAV
Tyler Bertuzzi – 4 years, $5.5M AAV
Teuvo Teravainen – 3 years, $5.4M AAV

Audit Notes: The longest deals on the ledger, Davidson masterfully navigates what was a tricky deal from Jones which is just in its third of nine years. Davidson locked Vlasic up to a reasonable wage, potentially having a top four or even top two pairing for over half a decade. Bertuzzi is a calculated risk who is good for at least twenty goals, and will play at a reasonable price.

Two Years

Nick Foligno – $4.5M AAV
Connor Murphy – $4.4M AAV
Petr Mrazek – $4.25M AAV
Jason Dickinson – $4.25M AAV
Ilya Mikheyev – $4.038M AAV
TJ Brodie – $3.75M AAV
Laurent Brossoit – $3.3M AAV
Lukas Reichel – $1.25M AAV
Connor Bedard – $925K AAV (ELC)
Kevin Korchinski – $918K AAV (ELC)
Joey Anderson – $800k AAV

Audit Notes: The bulk of contracts on the books fall into the two-year range. From an accounting standpoint, the financial flexibility is likely one of the best in the league. It allows for Bedard to get the deal he needs once his ELC is finished next year. Further, though, a quick look at the list sees that at least four of the names are likely playing this contract out before being moved out. If some did resign (think Murphy or Mrazek), it’s likely at a lower price. Off past returns, Dickinson appears to be the likeliest of the bunch to earn a few more years after. But once those deals expire, the Hawks sit with another $30M to use toward Bedard and Korchinski’s first big contracts. Reichel, if he hits to where everyone hopes, could also cash in, too.

One Year

Taylor Hall – $6M AAV
Andreas Athanasiou – $4.25M
Alec Martinez – $4M
Philipp Kurashev – $2.25M
Ryan Donato – $2M
Pat Maroon – $1.3M
Craig Smith – $1M

Audit Notes: Here’s where it gets interesting. The younger players (Nazar, Ethan Del Mastro, Levshunov, Drew Commesso, Landon Slaggert, Gavin Hayes, Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel) have time to develop and the Blackhawks field a roster with players finishing out their contracts. The flexibility also allows for potential trade deadline deals if any of the named are ready to come up–this is likeliest with Nazar, Del Mastro, Slaggert and Levshunov. Kurashev can also hit the jackpot this season after betting on himself a season ago in arbitration. Last year’s returns were great–if he adds to it this season he’s going to see some term and dollars. Once 24-25 concludes, the Hawks recoup $20.8M in cap space, making it nearly $51M coming off the books in the next two years.

Other Financial Notes

Retained Contracts: $3.16M for one more year
Nazar: 2 Years at $950K
Colton Dach: 2 Years, $825K
Slaggert: 1 Year, $913K

Audit Notes: The other young names have longer term since they’re in entry level deals. Nazar and Slaggert have shorter terms due to signing after their college seasons concluded. Dach is another likely candidate to get a hard look during camp–but he could also be playing big minutes for a Rockford team loaded with a chunk of Chicago’s young talent.

Audit Findings: Blackhawks Set Up Beautifully For Future Success Financially

There’s always luck involved, especially when it comes to injuries. But a quick and thorough look at what the Blackhawks have now sees a team that will have optimal flexibility when it comes to getting bigger stars to come to Chicago. Does it mean the Blackhawks depth chart is flawless? Not at all. There are major talent gaps even with the moves Davidson made this year and a division that proves to be one of the toughest in the league.

But one of the toughest hurdles in building a contender is often the financials. Davidson has played this like a maestro–and the promise of contention is only stronger with the ledger being in tip top shape now–and for the future.

Now, Davidson just needs the talent to hit, too.

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