Blackhawks Free Agent Breakdown: Big Decisions Are Left to be Made

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Jim
April 21, 2023 (11:26)

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The Blackhawks have a few people they need to resign, some are somewhat significant and some not. The main question after the Trade Deadline was what were the Hawks going to do with Jonathan Toews. Davidson simply couldn't trade Toews at the deadline because he was out with some immune system problems. That question was answered and the Captain played his last game in a Blackhawks sweater.

However, we still have work to do. Andreas Athanasiou, Philipp Kurashev, Ian Mitchell, and more need to be resigned. But who will we bring back to the team?

Anders Bjork and Austin Wagner were brought in for «future considerations,» and were never meant to be on the team for long. Bjork is 26 and Wagner is 25. Another player who was brought in this season was Andreas Englund. Kyle traded away Jack Johnson for Andreas Englund. I think Englund was brought in to help the tank, and won't be back next year. Englund is 27. I don't expect to see all three of them back next season. If one of them were to return, I would see Anders Bjork.

Andreas Athanasiou is a really interesting name going into this offseason. Most fans don't want to see him back because he ruined the tank. However, they can't deny that he is a solid piece for a rebuilding team, especially because he is going on 29 years old and could possibly teach the young guns coming in a couple things. Athanasiou had 20 goals and 20 assists, totaling up to 40 points in 81 games. Adding on, he's one of the fastest skaters in the league. Athanasiou even said himself that he'd love to play for us again. I wouldn't be surprised if he's back next year, possibly on a longer contract than just one year.

Caleb Jones has to go. He's 25 years old playing on a team with his big brother, and he still isn't good enough. He gets beat every play and makes careless mistakes. Caleb had 16 points in 73 games this season, but had a -19. Blackhawks fans have strong opinions about both Jones' brothers, and I don't blame them.

Another reason Hawks fans don't like Caleb Jones is because he took ice time away from young defenseman Ian Mitchell, and now he wants out because of it. To be fair, Mitchell isn't necessarily impressive either and with more defensive prospects working up the charts there would be no room for him anyway, but I would still like to have him because he's young. Ian is 24 years old and didn't see the ice much this season. He had 8 points in 35 games, but had a -21 on the year (all defenseman were in the negatives this year). If we offer him a contract, Mitchell has to step it up or he'll lose his spot. There are a lot of prospects coming in, such as Kevin Korchinski, Alex Vlasic, Alec Regula, and more all looki mg for a chance to showcase their skills in the NHL. I also think he knows that, so he's reluctant to sign.

Third to last is Jujar Khaira. Khaira is 28 years old and recently had one of his best seasons. The 4th line on Chicago (Joey Anderson, Boris Katchouk, and Jujar Khaira), was arguably the best line on the team this year. Khaira had 14 points in 51 games, most of them coming when the 4th line was assembled after the Trade Deadline. I don't know if he's worth a roster spot though. Maybe just resign him for one year to get us through the next season?

The German, Philipp Kurashev. Kurashev was one of the few bright spots on the team this year. Philipp is only 23 years old and had the best season of his career, racking up 25 points. His 25-point season might've earned him a new contract. Davidson stated that he likes Kurashev and sees him as a valuable skater to have in the future.

Last but not least, Alex Stalock. Stalock is expecting to be packing his bags and leaving Chicago. Stalock said that he knows there are a lot of young goalies waiting for their opportunity, and that there isn't any room for him anymore. However, he'd love to be a Blackhawk, and I'd love to see him be one