The Future Of The Chicago Blackhawks- Who's Out After This Season & Who's Up?

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Joseph
April 4, 2022 (9:04 PM)

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With the 2021-2022 season wrapping up, what will the roster look like next year? After the way the last couple years have gone you can expect some turnover. Players big and small may be on the move as the Blackhawks prepare for a total rebuild. it'll be interesting to see what GM Kyle Davison does in his first full year calling the shots. Today we'll see what players the Hawks may sign and players that are probably on the outs include Dominik Kubalik, Dylan Strome, Calvin De Haan and Erik Gustafsson.

Dominik Kubalik: Spending the last three years in Chicago Kubalik has enjoyed success as a depth forward. his style of play makes him a perfect piece to any team trying to make a deep run into the playoffs. As attracting as that sounds, unfortunately the Hawks are going the other direction. Expect Dom to sign on a team either going for it all or a team on the cusp of being a real contender.

Dylan Strome: I personally don't want to see Strome go but it very well may be the case. Strome struggled early in his Blackhawks career and a lot of that had to do with him being moved from his natural center position. Former Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton decided to put him on the wing rather than him playing center. Once Derek King took over, Strome played more center and found his legs. I think if the Hawks keep Strome he's a great second line center. On the other hand, if the Hawks let Strome walk he'd be a great addition to any team especially one going for it all.

Calvin De Hann: A great veteran presence on the blueline. His future with the Hawks is definitely in question as the team is going towards a youthful movement. Not taking anything away from De Hann but his role on the Blackhawks is dwindling. His skillset and at this time in his career De Hann is better off taking on a smaller role slotted in the third defensive pairing. Look for a team like Carolina to pick him up this offseason.

Erik Gustafsson: In his second run with Chicago its been quite different than his first. When he was originally on the Blackhawks he had the pleasure of sharing the blueline with the likes of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. This time around he took on a much bigger role. No doubt a very solid player, he just isn't ready to take on that type of responsibility. Gustafsson would thrive on teams that can surround him with talent. I think he'll end up on a team like Toronto, Vegas or Colorado.

Lets not forget that both goalies on the roster are also on expiring contracts. Kevin Lankinen has shown in spots that he can be a solid goaltender but realistically he's not much more than a spot starter or a backup. He still has plenty of time in his young career but still needs to prove his worth in the league. Collin Delia is similar to Lankinen in the sense of proving himself. There's not much of a chance we see both of these guys in a Blackhawks sweater next year but possibly one. If the Hawks do keep one of these guys expect them to be the backup.

With plenty of openings up and down the Blackhawk roster, Kyle Davidson is going to have to earn his paycheck this offseason. The main priority has to be finding a starting goaltender along with help on the defensive side of the puck. I'll be throwing out some potential realistic players the Hawks should go after as well as some guys who will get their shot.

Ryan Donato: Currently a member of the Seattle Kraken, Donato was drafted 56th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2014. After spending time in Boston, Minnesota, San Jose now Seattle, he's got plenty of upside. He isn't the flashy player he was in college or World Juniors but Donato will be a solid player in the years to come. While playing in Seattle this season he's matched his career high in goals and has a modest 25 points in 61 games played. You never know what can happen if you pair him up with the likes of Patrick Kane or Alex Debrincat. He's cheap, he's young and he has a lot of potential.

Ville Husso: As of now Husso is manning the crease for the St. Louis Blues. He's put up some very impressive numbers this year while splitting time with Stanley Cup champion Jordan Binnington. in 32 games he holds a 19-6 record with a 2.45 GAA and a .922 save percentage. With those numbers you're probably thinking "why would the Blues let him go?". Well the Blues are in the midst of Binnington's 6 year 36 million dollar contract. With the numbers Husso has put up this year, there's a chance he askes for more money and could be looking for a starting job.

Ethan Bear: This 24 year old has spent time in both Edmonton and Carolina after being picked 124th overall in the 2015 draft. Bear is a player that moves the puck well and can kill penalties when needed. With the talented blueline the Hurricanes have, Bear sort of disappears into the lineup. If he comes to Chicago he will be asked to play more minutes and have more opportunity to make an impact. He's finishing up his two year 4 million dollar contract so if the Hawks can get him on a deal similar to this one it'd be a nice addition to the struggling defense.

Lukas Reichel: Drafted number 17 overall by the Blackhawks, Reichel has made his presence felt in the AHL with the Rockford Icehogs. This year he's been over a point per game player notching 49 points in 48 games. The Hawks obviously like the 19 year old and tis upcoming season expect him to be a regular in the lineup.

Nicolas Beaudin: Playing 53 games in Rockford this year he has recorded 1 goal and 10 assists. Not the best numbers but as more of a shutdown defensemen Beaudin's ability to shutdown plays before they even begin is unmatched. A player the uses his size and speed to his advantage by opening up passing lanes to get the puck up can help him rack up points. Known as a player that does the little things right, Beaudin plays a structured style and will get his chance to show it off next season.