Now that the Chicago Blackhawks are expected to be without star forward Connor Bedard for the opening month of next season, many are wondering if general manager Kyle Davidson will make another addition to the forward group before the offseason concludes in two months.
There aren’t many attractive options remaining on the free-agent market, but one of the names that’s still available makes sense for the team’s current needs, and he’s got plenty of history in the Windy City.
More in the links for the case for and against the Blackhawks signing three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane, who’s reportedly at least considered a homecoming in Chicago.
Also in Blackhawks news, Leo Carlsson’s agents, Matt and Ryan Keator, were guests on a notable podcast recently and mentioned that Bedard’s contract was one they were hoping to use as a comparison.
Around the league, the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres each re-signed a restricted free agent, Shane Wright spoke about his preferred destination in a trade, and The Athletic dropped its new top 100 drafted prospects ranking.
All that & more in the Daily!
Blackhawks Offseason, News & Trade Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: Yup. Patrick Kane remains available as a free agent, and the signs suggest his time in Detroit is over after three seasons. Rumors of a homecoming with the Blackhawks have set the internet ablaze recently. So, what are the pros and cons of a potential homecoming for Kane in Chicago?
Chicago Hockey Now: Now that Connor Bedard has suffered three serious injuries in less than four years, will his contract negotiations be impacted this summer? Bedard is due for a serious raise, but the Blackhawks could be hesitant to hand him a Leo Carlsson-type deal.
Speaking of Carlsson, his two agents, Matt and Ryan Keator, joined Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas on the latest bonus episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. The two mentioned that when dealing with Carlsson’s contract extension this summer as a restricted free agent, they were waiting to see what Bedard signed for with the Blackhawks and use that as a comparison.
Indeed, the rumors were true. Bedard, Carlsson, and Adam Fantilli were each sitting back to see who among the three would set the market first. As it turns out, it was Carlsson via an offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers, which the Anaheim Ducks eventually matched.
Bonus 32 Thoughts interview pod
Matt & Ryan Keator, who represent Leo Carlsson. They take us through the last 10 months — from negotiations with Anaheim to the offer sheet.
Great answers to terrible questions.
Link to your preferred platform, here: https://t.co/Fit34tk4JO
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 13, 2026
More CHN: For however long Bedard remains unsigned, he also can receive an offer sheet from another NHL club. But there doesn’t seem to be much concern, both internally and externally, about Bedard signing one this summer. He’s been vocal about his commitment to the Blackhawks since the day he was drafted.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Scott Wheeler released his annual top 100 drafted NHL prospects list early on Tuesday morning. Eight Blackhawks are featured, the most of any team, with five cracking the top 65. However, their first prospect mentioned doesn’t come until No. 19, which is curious.
NHLtraderumors.me: The Seattle Kraken have continued working to find former No. 4 overall pick Shane Wright a new home via trade this summer. Wright has reportedly given his ideal destination, and it’s the Vancouver Canucks due to their rebuilding nature. He would also prefer to remain close to home.
Forever Broadway: The New York Rangers and defenseman Braden Schneider avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $5.5 million contract on Tuesday. The 2020 first-round pick tallied 18 points (2G, 16A) in 82 games for the Rangers in 2025-26 and has cemented himself as a sturdy second-pairing player.
NHL.com: On a similar tune, the Buffalo Sabres and forward Peyton Krebs avoided arbitration on Tuesday, with the two sides agreeing to a four-year contract that carries a $4.5 million cap hit. Krebs, a first-round selection by Vegas in 2019, posted a career-best 12 goals, 27 assists, and 39 points with the Sabres in 2025-26.
More NHL.com: The Winnipeg Jets have swiftly signed 2026 No. 8 overall pick Viggo Bjork to a three-year, entry-level contract, opening the door for the Swedish forward to make a run for the NHL opening-night roster in two months.
Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche signed their latest trade acquisition to a one-year contract worth $850,000 on Monday, locking up forward Fabian Lysell for the 2026-27 season. The former first-round pick was acquired from the Boston Bruins on June 27.
Boston Hockey Now: Speaking of the Bruins, Jack Studley writes how the team’s crowded blue line could lead to another transaction this summer. Could former Blackhawk Henri Jokiharju be on the move soon?
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