If only Kirby Dach could consistently dominate like he did on this play where he used his size, speed, and skill to have his own way on a drive to the net and thoroughly embarrass the defender. There's still time for Dach to develop into an all-around force and cornerstone for the franchise. At least his defense isn't a big issue.
At the end of calendar year 2021,
I took a peek at the Blackhawks free agent crop for the current offseason. As NHL teams start to make roster decisions for 2022-23, it's time to revisit what I predicted back in late December to see where the Hawks stand today with their pending free agents which includes Dach.
Restricted Free Agents (RFAs)
Andrei Altybarmakian is a top 9 talent for the IceHogs with potential to crack the NHL if he can add consistency. He's ultra competitive and the ultimate space creator for skilled linemates. Some scoring punch in a support role. A sub-$1M renewal at 1-2 years may be worth it.
Kirby Dach is no doubt getting re-signed but -- to his personal chagrin and to Chicago's financial advantage -- his post-ELC deal will be for less term and money than if he was setting the NHL on fire. Expect a bridge contract in the neighborhood of 2-3 years at $3-$4M AAV.
Reese Johnson is re-signed at 2 years, $800,000 AAV. While he may be a dime-a-dozen 4th line agitator and penalty killer, he's an upgrade over the departed Ryan Carpenter and seems to have the inside edge for next season as 4C. Defensively aware, Johnson also has some offensive jam.
Dominik Kubalik's name came up in rumors around the TDL and is still circulating yet his stock has plummeted after a 30-goal rookie year in 2019-20. When he's on point, though, he can be a high-octane scorer. Look for him to be traded. If not, don't spend more than $4M for one year.
Philipp Kurashev teases with his offensive talent and 3-zone game -- including a laser of a shot, playmaking vision, and dedicated backchecking. He just may be scratching the surface with his contributions. An affordable renewal of 2 years at around $1.5M AAV is doable.
Sam Lafferty also has a new contract like Johnson with a pay raise from $750K to $1.15M AAV for 2 years. Together they may be 2/3 of the Hawks 4th line for 2022-23. Lafferty has Brandon Hagel's relentless energy and nose-over-puck mentality but lacks the finish of his former teammate.
Cam Morrison was injured all of last season and has been pretty forgettable this season in Rockford. As a power forward, he needed to be noticeable in the tough areas but he has been the opposite. It would be no surprise if he's not offered another contract. Maybe an AHL deal?
Dylan Strome was a player possessed as he elevated his game back to 1st line status and started to live up to his potential as a 3rd overall draft pick. Racking up points again, improving immensely on draws, and being a factor without the puck has amped his stock. Will he remain in Chicago, though?
Caleb Jones had a see-saw season with a strong preseason, an injury to start the regular season, and mediocre play interspersed with a few flashes of brilliance. If general manager Kyle Davidson isn't looking to upgrade on D, then retaining Jones on the cheap shouldn't be a problem for the 5/6/7 spot.
Wyatt Kalynuk was also sidetracked by an injury to start the season but he never got back on track as the top D prospect in the minors after being supplanted by Ian Mitchell, Jakub Galvas, Alec Regula, Alex Vlasic, and Isaak Phillips. He still has potential so a modestly priced renewal is feasible.
Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs)
Kurtis Gabriel isn't NHL material but is valuable as a 4th line wrecking ball. Well liked and respected by teammates, Gabriel provides a "big brother"-like presence on and off the ice to help more promising youngsters do their thing with confidence. An AHL deal may be worth it.
Andrew Shaw is technically retired and is also technically a free agent as the final year of his current contract expires. Obviously, nobody is re-signing him. His $3.9M comes off Chicago's books. There was a window of opportunity for Davidson to trade his cap hit but nothing materialized.
Calvin de Haan is almost certainly a goner. What stunk was Davidson wasn't able to move de Haan at the TDL for any asset -- even a 5th round draft pick or later. There's a slight chance the Hawks bring him back on a minimal contract but it depends on how the blueline shakes out for 2022-23.
Erik Gustafsson entered the season as a "why is he on the team (again)" player and he didn't disappoint despite some marginal improvement in defending. Nonetheless, this is still insufficient evidence to warrant even more time with the Hawks unless it's in an alumni game.
Collin Delia got his chance again to prove himself in the NHL after Marc-Andre Fleury was shipped to the Wild at the TDL. Just like in the AHL, Delia demonstrated that he runs too hot and cold. The Hawks should keep him only if running a Lankinen-Delia duo in net again next season.
Kevin Lankinen is seemingly the only viable goalie in the organization who's somewhat capable of holding his own against NHL competition. Until Arvid Soderblom and/or Drew Commesso are ready, Lankinen could get a contract renewal for say 2 years at $1-$1.5M AAV to continue his development.
Cale Morris has had successive one-year AHL contracts and could get a third one this summer. However, his time in the AHL and ECHL has been rather pedestrian. With recently signed goalie Jaxson Stauber in the fold as Soderblom's likely backup for the Hogs, Morris may be on the outside looking in again.
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Blackhawks Notebook
It's not really surprising that the Blackhawks would at least kick the tires on Barry Trotz while also being realistic in knowing that what they would present as coaching expectations based on the team he'd be inheriting wouldn't be attractive to a head coach who can help a contender win now.
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Prospects Notebook
What's to like in this power play sequence for Team Germany is how Lukas Reichel not only snuck into soft areas of the offensive zone but stayed low and in tight against the goalie. Sure it's the man advantage but Reichel created separation and didn't shy away from the rough areas.
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See you on the boards!
Sources: Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, NBC Sports Chicago, The Athletic Chicago
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