The 2023 NHL Draft is in the books, ending on the afternoon of June 29th. Free agency officially opens the morning of July 1st. For most NHL enjoyers, that means a much-needed 36-hour break between what could be the two most hectic events of the year.
A break for everyone except GM Kyle Davidson, that is.
In a flurry of moves between Thursday and Friday, Davidson and his staff made a handful of moves that could significantly impact the Blackhawks for the next few years and beyond.
Josh Bailey
Just before day 2 of the NHL Draft, the Blackhawks took on the contract of 33-year-old Josh Bailey from the Islanders along with a second-round pick in 2026. He was on the team less than an hour before his contract was bought out, costing the Blackhawks $2.67 million this season and $1.67 next year. The move was a perfect example of Davidson weaponizing his team’s abundance of cap space while simultaneously staying flexible under the salary cap for the future, which is a common theme in most of his moves. The team is still under the cap floor, so the move is a clear benefit.
Corey Perry
One of the headlines of Thursday’s events was the trade that gave the rights to Perry to Chicago in exchange for a seventh-rounder next year. Perry, who is widely hated among Blackhawks fans for his pest-style game, signed a one-year, $4 million deal Friday morning. While it’s seen as an overpay by some, the move officially puts the Blackhawks over the cap floor, and Perry does his job as a pest well, making him a worthwhile signing. Davidson reportedly loved his leadership and mentorship as well, so it’s a win-win.
Taking It Easy…
According to beat reporter Ben Pope, the Blackhawks’ “heavy lifting” is pretty much done.
The team made plenty of moves, and can walk out of this week feeling good about what they accomplished. With a weak free agent class hitting the open market Saturday, the Blackhawks have taken on enough bloated contracts. They still have financial flexibility for the future, but also have the leadership they need for today. Translation: after a week of action, don’t expect much movement tomorrow.
… Or Not?
With just hours left before free agency, a handful of Blackhawks are headed out the door. Players like Anders Bjork, Austin Wagner, and Caleb Jones, who were all pending restricted free agents, were not given qualifying offers. In fact, the only RFA that did receive an offer was Philipp Kurashev, who has not yet signed.
It’s unclear what line Kurashev will fit onto if he returns next year. Bleacher Nation’s Tab Bamford said it best in his illustration of the Blackhawks’ projected lines, when he mentioned that there are just too many bodies for a 12-man forward lineup. Joey Anderson, who recently signed a two-way contract, could be headed to Rockford, as well as Cole Guttman, who’s still on his entry-level deal. There’s been talk of Max Domi returning to Chicago, but there may not even be room for him.
In short, perhaps the Blackhawks could even be sellers during the frenzy that’s sure to take place tomorrow. Someone has to go, and the team is flush with young talent with high upside. With that many forward prospects on NHL contracts, and many more prospects on the way, perhaps a trade is in the works to free up space.
Davidson says the “heavy lifting” is done before free agency, but I wouldn’t be too sure. There are a few shockers every year, and it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the Blackhawks involved in some unexpected moves.
It’s fun to see that there is more interest in a rebuild of the Blackhawks than the Big 3 of the Bulls