Chicago Blackhawks complete shocking move: part ways with four players in single-decision move

The deadline to sign RFAs in the NHL was June 1st. Instead of signing these five restricted free agents, Davidson and the Blackhawks have let them go free to fly from the organization.

Those free agents? Marcel Marcel, Alex Pharand, Milton Oscarson, and Victor Stjernborg. A sign that he feels the current crop of prospects, including the yet-to-be drafted, will be a better fit for the organization.

Alex Pharand, originally drafted 99th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, will now be a free agent as a result of the team's lack of a qualifying offer received. This season in the OHL, Pharand put up 59 points (17 goals, 42 assists) in 65 games.

While Milton Oscarson was drafted 167th overall, he is currently playing in SHL, and scored a total of 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) this season, and will have to lobby himself to a new NHL team in search of depth in their prospect pool. He is 6-foot-7.

Marcel Marcel was last seen playing in Rockford this season with the IceHogs in the AHL. He scored a total of 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) in 41 games with the Blackhawks' minor league affiliate. Apparently, he didn't work hard enough to earn a new QO.

Center Victor Stjernborg was selected 108th overall in the 4th round of the 2021 NHL Draft. He last played in the SHL with Vaxjo HC, and tallied 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 37 games.

It's apparent none of these players had the growth potential Davidson was looking for, or had their spot taken in line by another prospect who showed more promise.

NHL teams that need extra depth could look to add them to their pools soon.