The Chicago Blackhawks definitely need a boost this offseason, and they have the assets to do it. They are armed with a nice chunk of cap space and they also have a plethora of draft capital.
The problem is that if the Blackhawks really want to improve, they may have to swing a big trade. Why? Because the upcoming free-agent market is pretty thin, and Ben Pope of The Chicago Sun Times explained the grim reality in a recent piece.
“In terms of the total quantity of notable available players, this coming summer seems equally bleak,” Pope wrote. “Sabres forward Alex Tuch and Ducks defenseman John Carlson are two of relatively few notable free agents who should interest the Hawks.”
Pope went on to explain that the Blackhawks would strongly benefit to explore the trade market given the number of intriguing names that could be available, but obviously, making major trades is far easier said than done.
So what exactly should Chicago do in the coming weeks and months?
The Chicago Blackhawks have a tough offseason ahead
Nov 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The good news is that the Blackhawks have showed improvement over the last couple of seasons, going from 52 points to 61 to 72. But the flip side is that Chicago still finished in last place in the Central Division by a wide margin, going 29-39-14.
The Blackhawks have Connor Bedard and a bunch of compelling young players, but the issue is that many of them are defensemen. Chicago has a glut of players at the position, so it would be surprising if it didn’t trade out of that surplus to try and acquire a wing.
Matthew Knies and Jason Robertson have both been tabbed as potential trade targets for the Blackhawks, but it remains to be seen if the Toronto Blue Jays and Dallas Stars, respectively, actually move either player. Plus, even if one of Knies or Robertson did become available, the price would be extravagant.
But Chicago has positioned itself in a way where it could afford to go all in on a trade because of its financial situation and the draft picks it has at its disposal, so because this free-agent market is not all that enticing, expect the Blackhawks to try and swing big.
Whether or not they are successful remains to be seen.
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