Cody Eakin
Cody Eakin is the best chance the Blackhawks have in the free-agent market. He currently is making just under $4,000,000 a season, with his contract expiring this summer. If Eakin walks, the Blackhawks could get him without giving up much.
Eakin comes at a price though, they’d have to offer at least $4,000,000 to get him to come here. No long contracts either, remember, Dach and Boqvist are going to need contracts in two years.
Eakin is there to add depth to the center role, which is something the Blackhawks could use. He also is good on the penalty kill. It’s a win-win for both parties involved. He is also a very good defensive forward.
The Blackhawks need more players with the skill set of Eakin. It’s perfect to grab him now too, considering he is right in the middle of his prime. Eakin could fill that third or fourth center spot, or even play on the wing.
He could be the most valuable player on this list while being the cheapest, and the most reasonable. Eakin is also a great replacement for Andrew Shaw if he does retire.
The first thing the Blackhawks need to do before looking at free agents is to re-sign both Dominik Kubalik and Dylan Strome. After that, any of the three players named on this list are perfect for the team.