Blackhawks UFA/RFA's - Who Stays and Who Goes This Summer?
This off-season is Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson's first legitimate chance to make a significant impact for the future of the organization. Despite the drama regarding where Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane will end up after the 2022-23 season, plenty of crucial players remain needing a much more immediate decision to be made.
Can Dominik Kubalik and Philipp Kurashev recover from their drastically underwhelming season (statistically speaking)? Mind you, they were each special offensive players just one season prior, but seemed to simultaneously stagnate in their development in 2021. But is it time to give up on them already?
With the help and reference of CapFriendly . com, I'll take broad dive into each upcoming UFA/RFA. Should they remain with the organization? What is their actual value? Beyond those two important factors, many other players deserve proper evaluation to determine their future role with the Blackhawks-if such future role even exists...
Dominik Kubalik (RFA, eligible for arbitration):
Kubalik had a torrential downturn in his performance this season-with few 5v5 goals and primarily accruing points via the power play. But in the 2019-20 season, the organization and fans alike were convinced they had struck GOLD out of Czechia/Czech Republic. Kubalik notched 30G, 46P in 68 games that season, which faded to 38P in 56 games in 2020-21, and this season he achieved his lowest point totals-32P in 78 games. Do I believe he's a bust? Absolutely not. Do I believe that the past two years of organizational turmoil has damaged his development? Absolutely so. Considering his cap hit of $3.7M AAV and underperforming at that pay-grade, if the 'Hawks can re-sign him for $1.5 to $2.5M for two to three years, done deal. It shouldn't be an offensive pay-cut and will hopefully light a fire under Kubalik's you-know-what.
Dylan Strome (RFA, eligible for arbitration):
Strome's performance throughout the first third of the 2021-22 season had Twitter-Warriors gathering their pitchforks in support of trading/getting rid of the 25-year-old left winger. They sure must feel silly now; Strome was one of the few "shining lights" in the second half of the season. With 22G, 48P in 69 games, he fell short of his career-high by only three points. He finally seems to have found his place with Kane and DeBrincat, and although I can't predict what exactly he's worth, I figure he is a valuable asset to sign for at least a three year extension-perhaps at an AAV of $3.5 to $5.0M. Yes, he deserves it.
Kirby Dach (RFA):
This one is a bit of a doozy, but also allows me to selfishly relish in my support of burning a rookie's first ELC year. The Blackhawks burned Dach's first year, and now have the benefit of resigning him CHEAP instead of giving him the chance to increase his value next season. Sure, the organization preferred a more-speedy development (thanks, Stan...), but keeping Dach around is the ONLY logical option. And if you're a fan in the loud minority who wants him gone, try to think for the future and what he could be worth three years down the line. If Dach can spring back from his rough past season, he could be a perfect option to fill the slot of Toews when that time comes. I'd like to sign him to a longer-term contract, but don't think it's reasonable on his end. Realistically I see the team offering him two to three years at an AAV of $1.75M. It shows loyalty from the team in the form of a $1M raise from his ELC, and won't stress the Blackhawks' budget.
Philipp Kurashev (RFA):
In his rookie and sophomore seasons, Kurashev gained the attention of teams across the league and was the subject of numerous trade rumors. Probably should've taken the bait when we could. But, he still belongs to the Blackhawks and they'll need to do something with him. His league value has dropped and he hasn't seemed to get stronger, faster, or more agile on the ice. I wouldn't be upset if the Hawks re-sign him for $1-1.5M for a bridge deal/two-year deal.
Caleb Jones (RFA, eligible for arbitration):
Sure, why not? He's proved his worth (at his current AAV) and at points in the season was outperforming his $9M AAV older brother. Take a flyer on him and see how it goes.
Calvin De Haan (UFA):
He may have been worth his $4.5M AAV cap hit when the contract was signed in 2018, but that value has significantly decreased-with the exception of the natural value of a left-handed defenseman in today's NHL. Honestly, I think he's worth $3-4M maximum, but other teams may have interest in signing him at a mark higher than the Blackhawks are willing to offer. Let him go if need be.
Erik Gustafsson (UFA):
What is he still doing here? Why'd the team trade for him TWO times (again, thanks Stan...)? They could sign him for a jar of dirt and I'd still be irate. See you later, auf wiedersehen, good bye! Nothing further needs to be said.
I'm avoiding the goalie talk for this one, as I legitimately have no idea where to begin. We all know that Delia and Lankinen are NOT the future, but they each could have some worth throughout the start of this rebuild. I think signing only one of them and bringing in one of the many UFA goalies this summer could be a great and calculated move.
If you made it this far, thanks for sticking around! I can't remember a summer in which this many critical decisions are to be made-it's both exciting and scary, and carries a massive implication to begin our rebuild the right way. Share your thoughts!
| POLL | ||
Which UFA/RFA would you like the Blackhawks to NOT re-sign? | ||
| Calvin De Haan | 38 | 22.6 % |
| Erik Gustafsson | 43 | 25.6 % |
| Collin Delia | 33 | 19.6 % |
| Philipp Kurashev | 54 | 32.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
