The Chicago Blackhawks playing for a contract this season

The Chicago Blackhawks enter the 2024-25 NHL Season looking to improve, but for some individual players this season has an extra meaning.

Playing in a contract year is always different. For some, playing with the uncertainty of what the future holds can be a lot of pressure. For others, with a contract looming, players push even harder to show their value.

The Blackhawks have a handful of players on expiring deals entering the 2024-25 NHL Season.

Taylor Hall – UFA

Taylor Hall’s current contract will expire at the end of the season. Hall had two years remaining on a four year $24 million contract he signed with the Boston Bruins when he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023.

Hall played in just ten games last season after injuries ended his year early. The 2024-25 NHL Season could be a big bounce back year for Hall, especially in a contract year.

Andreas Athanasiou – UFA

Athanasiou is entering a big contract season with his current two year deal he signed with the Blackhawks set to expire in the summer of 2025.

Athanasiou played in just 28 games this past season with the Blackhawks registering nine points during that time. During the season prior, Athanasiou registered 40 points in 81 games – showing just what he can bring to the Hawks.

Athanasiou is entering the final year of a two year $8.5 million contract carrying a cap hit of $4.25 million. The Blackhawks and Athanasiou came together on his previous contract in June of 2023. Should Athanasiou have a strong season like his first year in Chicago, Kyle Davidson may have to extend him yet again.

Ryan Donato – UFA

Ryan Donato has filled a role on a struggling Blackhawks team. Donato, 28, amassed 18 points in 78 games last season, averaging 14 minutes a night. While Donato may not be a top six forward, he is a reliable option for the Blackhawks entering the new year.

Philipp Kurashev – RFA

Philipp Kurashev has a lot to prove this season. After a strong year playing alongside Connor Bedard, Kurashev has looked like a viable option for the Hawks as the second line center going into October.

Kurashev signed a two year deal worth $4.5 million in July 2023. This time around it seems both Davidson and Kurashev may be looking for something a little more long term. Time will tell whether both sides decide to let the season play out or get working on an extension early.

Wyatt Kaiser – RFA

Wyatt Kaiser had a rode block to start training camp, missing the start of camp. Now, Kaiser looks to show he still belongs on the NHL roster despite offseason additions. Kaiser’s quest for a new contract begins now. Last season the 22-year-old played in 32 games.

Isaak Phillips – RFA

Isaak Phillips, 23, is in a similar situation as Kaiser. Last season he played in 33 games putting up six points during that time. The former 2020 fifth round pick has looked reliable in the NHL and could earn a new contract this season.

Arvid Soderblom – RFA

Arvid Soderblom signed a two year $1.93 million contract in May 2023. To say Soderblom’s last season was underwhelming is a massive understatment. In 32 games, Soderblom registered a 3.92 goals against average and a save percentage of .880, both worse off then the year prior.

Soderblom has competition coming behind him with Drew Commesso and other young netminders looking to prove their worth in the NHL. Soderblom has a big opportunity to show if he belongs with the team early with Brossoit out.

Pat Maroon/Craig Smith/Alec Martinez

Kyle Davidson signed Maroon, Smith and Martinez to one year deals this offseason. All three players could earn some nice contract this season in a big time role in Chicago. Both Smith and Maroon will get some time on the third line, playing most nights this season. Martinez is expected to start on the top power play unit with Seth Jones.

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