San Jose Sharks acquire Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard's longtime linemate

The Chicago Blackhawks and GM Kyle Davidson didn't give RFA Philipp Kurashev a qualifying offer after an underwhelming 2024-25 season.

His downswing came only a year after his 54-point (19-36) season, playing on the top line with Connor Bedard in 2023-24. Soon after, the magic would be gone, and he'd be fighting to stay in the lineup all year.

Floundering in a similar fashion to teammate Lukas Reichel, the Blackhawks saw it best to cut him loose and explore other options.

He may still have some upside, which is why the San Jose Sharks and GM Mike Grier have given him a new contract.

While paltry compared to his last qualifying offer, he'll still get a shot in the NHL for another year, with an AAV of $1.2 million.

Kurashev only scored 14 points last season in 51 games, and the former fourth-round draft pick (120th overall, 2018) will have a new home in San Jose.

Kurashev has played 317 NHL games during his career, all of them with the Blackhawks, scoring 130 points (48-82).

The Blackhawks have to add by subtracting, and this was another example of Kyle Davidson optimizing the roster by getting rid of RFAs who have failed to live up to expectations.

Kurashev ended last season scoring 14 points (7-7) in 51 games, and was often a healthy scratch.

He joins another rebuilding team in San Jose.