Who won't be returning next season
It seems that 2022 is the expiration for a handful of Chicago Blackhawks players. Here are three that are expected to part ways.
Jonathan Toews has been rumored to being traded for months now, however following some recent statements it seems that we may have just witnessed Toews play his final season as a Blackhawk. Coach David King has mentioned that there will be an open door policy, given that Toews was on a no trade contract till 2023. This gives Toews that freedom to pursue another team or even be traded. One trade option that is potential is Mark Scheifele from Toews' hometown team the Winnipeg jets. It would be an opportunity for the Blackhawks to gain a quality forward, and for Toews to play for his hometown team. While Toews has not explicitly mentioned leaving he did say that he is focusing on the present and not worrying about the next season.
Calvin De Haan, is also a free agent following this season, and it is expected that he will be traded. De Haan signed a three year contract with the Blackhawks in 2019, and recorded 24 points as a time as a Blackhawk. However with the rebuild it is expected for the Blackhawks to focus on getting younger defenseman on the team.
Following De Haan could be Defenseman Erik Gustaffson. Who was drafted to the hawks and played for four years before being traded in 2020. Where he bounced from three teams before signing a one year contract for the 2021 season. Given the sporadic nature of the past few years it is not likely that Gustaffson will be returning next year, despite contributing 18 points, 3 goals and 15 assists to the the season.
While it is thought to watch as veterans move on from the Blackhawks, there's a sense of excitement as to who is to come!
| POLL | ||
Who do you think gets traded first? | ||
| Calvin De Haan | 154 | 31.3 % |
| Erik Gustvafsson | 97 | 19.7 % |
| Jonathan Toews | 130 | 26.4 % |
| Other | 111 | 22.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
