Three Free Agents The Chicago Blackhawks Could Sign

The Chicago Blackhawks might decide to pass on Dylan Strome in the coming weeks as he does remain unsigned. If that is the case, they could decide to use some of the cap space to add a different free agent that remains available right now.

Let’s take a look at three names that could end up getting a contract by the Chicago Blackhawks. While none are certain, all three of these players could help the Blackhawks win now.

The Blackhawks have holes on their roster. Their bottom six is not that great, their defense is subpar, and the Blackhawks’ goaltending is the weakest link right now. Chicago could add a lot thanks to the free agents that remained unsigned, so let’s dive in.

1. Michael Frolík

Michaell Frolik is a free agent, and the former Blackhawk could instantly improve the ‘Hawks bottom six. Since playing with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, Frolik has spent time with Winnipeg, Calgary, and Buffalo.

Frolik has always been a great forward, one that can kill penalties while also scoring big goals when a team needs it. Just take a look at his stats over the course of his career.

Frolik is a former Chicago Blackhawk that needs no introduction. His contributions to the team include two playoff penalty shot goals, and he was a big part during the Blackhawks defensive play in 2013.

I know that fans do not like seeing Chicago bring back players year in and year out, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Frolik back in the windy city.

2. Anthony Duclair

Another former Chicago Blackhawk makes this list; how about that? Anthony Duclair is probably due for a pay raise this season after putting up 40 points last season with the Ottawa Senators. While we do not know for sure why he did not re-sign with the Senators, it could lead to the Blackhawks’ advantage if he ends up rejoining the ‘Hawks.

Check out a statement made by Duclair when he did not get re-signed by Ottawa.

I think that Chicago could offer him that leadership role within the organization while also working to make sure he is a big part of the team’s future. Duclair is still young, and he is a free agent that fits both now and during the rebuild of this team.

Duclair matches that age description that Stan Bowman says the Blackhawks are missing. It is the 25-year-olds that are now stepping into the NHL that Bowman and the ‘Hawks are missing due to their success over the past decade.

Bringing back a player like Duclair on a one year contract while also trying to figure out the money to keep him around long term would add another valuable piece to the team that can fit into the top six.

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The last pick on this list addresses the biggest weakness of all for the Blackhawks.

3. Cory Schneider

Cory Schneider did not have the best season last year. However, he played for the New Jersey Devils, one of the only teams in the NHL worse than the ‘Hawks last season. Adding a goalie like Cory Schneider will give the Blackhawks a little bit of veteran leadership in the net while still allowing the young goalies to step in.

Schneider did not have the best season last year. He only played in 13 games last season and had a goals-against-average of 3.53, not great by any means. I think the Blackhawks could definitely afford to bet on Cory Schneider on a one year deal worth two or three million for the year.

It would offer the Blackhawks a veteran goalie with over 400 games of NHL experience to help along the next generation of goalies in Chicago. Plus, it would be kind of funny to see New Jersey and Chicago basically swap goalies considering Crawford is now with the Devils.

Cory Schneider would not fix the Blackhawk’s problems in the net, but he would help the team win a few extra games during the year, making the ‘Hawks a potential playoff team. Bowman called the Blackhawks a rebuilding franchise, but he might want to reconsider after looking at how the divisions could end up going next season. If he does reconsider, adding some of these players to the team could help the cause.

What do you think of our list of potential players the Blackhawks could sign next season? While none of these are certain, and all three very well could end up playing on other teams, I think the case could be made the Chicago would benefit from these three players in the ‘Hawks uniform.