Blackhawks offseason crossroads leaves key players in limbo

The Chicago Blackhawks are at a crossroads every which way you look, but the fans have to be used to it by now. And the same crossroads exist for who they need to keep for next season and who they should let walk in free agency. Oh, and yes, the same thing applies to those restricted free agents (RFAs). 

And with more immediate results needed, general manager Kyle Davidson has got a few tough decisions to make. So, what should he do? Below, you’ll get my take on them. Now, I’m not giving you a definitive ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer here, but you’ll tell where I stand just from reading my quick takes. 

Pat Maroon, F/(ret)

Pat Maroon looks like he’s called it a career, so unless he changes his mind, don’t expect him back in the Windy City. But even then, chances are, he’d rather go try and win a Cup somewhere else. A contender could use his presence on the fourth line, but for the sake of simplicity, he’s probably watching games in 2025-26. 

Ryan Donato, F

He’s had a career season, but now the burning question is this: Was it the beginning of something new for the late bloomer, or an outlier? For the sake of Blackhawks fans, should he re-sign, let’s hope he repeats. But if not, he gives them a reliable, physical presence on the middle six.

Philippe Kurashev, F

The restricted free agent looked poised for a 65-70-point season following a solid 2023-24 campaign. Then reality struck, and you have every right to question whether Philippe Kurashev deserves another chance. If he does, he’s got a hill to climb with more talent coming through the pipeline and likely through free agency, too. That’s if the Hawks don’t mess this up…

Wyatt Kaiser, D

He was somewhat physical and broke even in the plus-minus on an awful Blackhawks team. That said, th ere’s no way the Hawks won’t extend a qualifying offer to this restricted free agent. Kaiser has also shown he can be more than just a 57-game player, so expect that next season. 

Louis Cevier, D

He’s got a build like Zdeno Chara, and he uses it, having logged 70 hits in 32 games last year. Oh, and he logged three goals in the process, indicating he can do more than just land between two and three body checks or block 1.5 shots per game. The Hawks have a player with a lot of untapped potential here. 

Arvid Soderblom, G

He earned his keep after a resurgent season in Chicago. Nobody saw Soderblom as more than organizational depth heading into last season, but now, he can transform into a true No. 2 netminder or even a 1B. But the question is: Can he repeat it? Here I’d give the restricted free agent a bridge deal and a modest salary; basically a prove-it deal.

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