Chicago Blackhawks
Blackhawks Q&A: Free Agency, Connor Bedard, Goaltender Log Jam & More
Welcome to a new featured column at Chicago Hockey Now, Blackhawks Q&A. The plan is to do these once a week or as close as possible to it. If you want to submit a question for the next installment, hit me up on social media on X or Bluesky, post on the CHN Facebook page, or comment on this article. We got six questions this week, so let’s get to it!
Second-Tier Free Agents
Our first question is from MongoHawks on X:
If they hit free agency, Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner will be the top players. I didn’t think there was a chance Rantanen would be a free agent, but it’s starting to trend that he will be available on July 1. I would be surprised if Marner doesn’t get an extension in Toronto. Beyond those two, there will be plenty of players who can help the Blackhawks get back into attention.
Topping that list is Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets. The 29-year-old year winger will command a raise from his current $6 million salary, but he won’t break the bank. Brock Boeser is another winger that would be a good fit here. I want the Blackhawks to get help down the middle. Even if they sign Rantanen or Marner, they should be looking at adding a guy like Brock Nelson, Sam Bennett, Claude Giroux, or Jack Roslovic, a guy I wanted to sign last summer, to help down the middle.
New All-Star Game Format
Next, we hear from OlSneakyPete from X:
I love this idea! I was a huge fan of the Team North America concept from the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. This format would provide some interesting teams and great matchups. Hockey fans like seeing teammates play against each other like many are doing right now at the 4 Nations Face-off. An All-Star Game based on age would be fun, so the NHL likely won’t ever do it.
Prospect Excitement
HockeyByDaBay from X is next up:
We’ve been giving a lot of attention to Nick Lardis while he’s been tearing up the Ontario Hockey League. While I’m excited about what he can do at the professional level, I don’t think we’re talking about enough about Roman Kantserov. The 2023 second-round pick is already excelling professionally in his native Russia. After putting up 13 points in the run to the KHL championship last spring, Kantserov is having a fantastic season for Mettallurg Magnitogorsk. In 33 games, he has 12 goals and 27 points. The KHL is a very hard league for young players to get big minutes, but he’s been one of the team’s most-used forwards. The 20-year-old winger has one more season left on his KHL deal, so he likely won’t make the jump to North America until the fall of 2026.
Connor Bedard Injury?
Let’s head to Bluesky for this question from snease2:
I don’t think Connor Bedard has been dealing with any wrist injury. He’s never had extra tape or braces on his wrists in the locker room. We’re just seeing a teenager still learning to play in the NHL. It will take some time for him to fully understand what works and what doesn’t at this level. He went so long being the best player on the ice every night that he had bad habits that led him into trouble. We will see fewer of these plays as he gets more experienced, stronger, and has better teammates.
How to Clean Up the Crease
Back to X for this question from RobTheRescueGuy
The goaltending situation sure has not played out as general manager Kyle Davidson envisioned. Petr Mrazek and Laurent Brossoit were supposed to be the NHL tandem, while Arvid Soderblom spent the season with the Rockford IceHogs. Now, Soderblom is your best goaltender, Mrazek has taken a step back, and Brossoit hasn’t played a game yet. If I were in charge, Soderblom would get a new two-year deal. He’s earned it, which buys more time for Drew Commesso to develop in Rockford. If Brossoit is healthy and can play next season, I’d look to trade Mrazek in the summer. If not, Brossoit is bought out, and you go with the same duo from this season.
New College Graduates
Our final question this week comes from MatrimAybara on X:
There could be as many as five college players turning pro this spring: Aidan Thompson, Ryan Greene, Sam Rinzel, Oliver Moore, and Dominic James. Exactly when they will sign depends on how far into the postseason they advance. If any of them make it as far as the Frozen Four, they won’t get any NHL games this season. Some of these guys could be candidates to suit up for the IceHogs if they qualify for the Calder Cup playoffs.
