Key player suddenly leaves the Chicago Blackhawks to test NHL free agency

One of those depth players will be Reese Johnson, whose $1.6 Million, two-year deal expires at the end of the season.

GM Kyle Davidson signed Johnson to an extension on April 13th, 2022 in what looked to be a bridge deal and it seems as if his time in Chicago is at an end.

Johnson's 2023-2024 season ended on an unfortunate note, on April 18th it was reported that Johnson wouldn't be able to finish the season due to concussion protocol.

The player had been out on injury since March 12th and was absent for 16 games.

The 25-year-old forward, only suited up for 42 games with the Blackhawks this season, scoring 5 points( 2 G, 3 A), with 109 hits, and 42 PIMs.

Johnson could be a useful addition to any team's fourth line, as a scrappy player with a great face-off win percentage of 51.9%.

The defensive forward will end-up becoming a UFA as a result of a lack of a qualifying offer on Chicago's end.

More on the story as it develops.