Several Chicago Blackhawks reportedly not re-signing with organization

As the off-season approaches and the Stanley Cup playoffs ramp up, clubs who are out of contention will plan their next moves.

Accordingly, the Chicago Blackhawks and GM Kyle Davidson must do the same to maximize returns on talent.


Some current Blackhawks are UFAs and should either be traded or bought out.


Here are 8:

Taylor Raddysh

Taylor Raddysh may have been the Hawk's biggest disappointment this season, after a 20-goal year prior in 2022-2023. He only had five goals and nine assists this entire season. The Hawks may have to let the RFA go to free agency without a contract to cushion the loss of Raddysh and Boris Katchouk.

Nikita Zaitsev

This defenseman struggled with injuries and was a contract dump for the Ottawa Senator. In between his injuries, he was a healthy scratch, and with a rebuilding squad, his spot can be taken by someone from the IceHogs.

Jaycob Megna

He was a waiver claim, who filled a role while injuries piled up during the regular season. However, he isn't a fit for the team's long-term plans and is withholding a roster spot from a prospect in the AHL, like Wyatt Kaiser or Ethan Del Mastro.

Jarred Tinordi

Tinordi didn't offer much in the way of defense but proved to be a stand-in enforcer when needed. If there wasn't so many injuries this season, he'd have been the 7th defenseman, a scratch. But kudos to him for playing through nagging injuries when asked, but his defensive impact, lacked where the team needed it the most.

Tyler Johnson

Johnson is a UFA and has already stated during exit interviews he wants to play on a contending team next season. Given the rookies pouring in, its safe to say he no longer fits the rebuild timeline and it'd be best for both parties to part ways amicably. Teams who are contenders need Johnson for deep playoff runs.

He also stepped up his production during his time in the Blackhawks system, posting 31 points(17 G, 14 A) so if he is traded the return should be nice. But if it comes to it, in order to prioritize cap space, let him walk.

Colin Blackwell

Blackwell suffered an unfortunate injury that kept him out the first two months of the season. When he slotted back into the lineup, he played every shift with the urgency and passion that teams need.

He is once again injured and would love to be back but with up-and-coming players like Cole Guttman, there are other teams out there who could utilize him better.

Reese Johnson & Mackenzie Entwistle

Mackenzie Entwistle was a part of the Marian Hossa deal, as he was part of the deal which sent to Arizona to eat cap space. Entwistle has served well as a good fourth-liner, but the Blackhawks have better options available elsewhere.

Johnson on most nights is a healthy-scratch and unfortunately has the same outlook as Entwistle.

Source: Blackhawk Up
8 players who should not be back with the Chicago Blackhawks next season