Once a Hawk, now a headache: Chicago Blackhawks' least loved alumni

After the Chicago Blackhawks' last postseason appearance in 2017, the organization gave it a couple more runs with the beloved dynasty core of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and others. After consecutive years of missed playoffs (excluding the bubble), the front office decided it was time to move on from these veterans and traded their other skilled players for high draft picks. Since then, there has been a good amount of turnover from the Chicago Blackhawks roster in the last six to seven years (insert Frank Nazar goal celebration).

There were a few players during this span of time who were well-liked by fans and successful on the ice, such as Dylan Strome and Alex DeBrincat. When these players were traded, it was tough to swallow at the time, as we knew we were entering into an era where there would be multiple years of last-place finishes. However, there were also players brought into the organization that were not popular with the fanbase for a multitude of reasons. Below are three of the most disliked ex-Blackhawks.

#3 - Nikita Zadorov

Nikita Zadorov played 55 games with the Blackhawks during the 2020-2021 season. He scored one goal and tallied seven assists while accumulating 36 penalty minutes. The 6'7 Russian defenseman is known for his physical play and has been known to take it over the line. He received two fines, one for unsportsmanlike conduct and one for cross-checking. He was also suspended for two games in 2024 for an illegal check to the head.

Last week, the Blackhawks matched up against Bruins and Zadorov made himself known on multiple plays in that game. He delivered a big hit to Sam Rinzel who turned towards the boards at the last second and also cross-checked Frank Nazar so hard that he knocked over his own teammate in the process. It always seems that Zadorov is making a questionable hit or play whenever his current team is matching up against the Blackhawks which has earned him a spot on this list.

#2 - Seth Jones

Seth Jones, who was traded to the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers last year, spent four seasons with the Blackhawks. Former general manager Stan Bowman made, at the time, a puzzling trade and an even more puzzling contract extension for Jones. The trade was made before the 2021-2022 season when the Blackhawks were in the early stages of their rebuild.

The contract has played the biggest role in the distaste for Jones. However, the blame for that should be placed squarely on Bowman. Jones' play on the ice for the Blackhawks was close to his career averages, yet he did have several defensive miscues and lapses that were placed under the microscope. Unfortunately for him, he was never put in a position to succeed with the Blackhawks, and fans were quick to place the blame on him at every opportunity.

#1 - Corey Perry

Corey Perry, who is currently on injured reserve with the Los Angeles Kings, tops the list as the most disliked ex-Blackhawk. Perry has spent 21 years in the NHL; however, he only played 16 games with the Blackhawks. He was released from the team after an internal investigation found what the team deemed unacceptable conduct related to a workplace issue. Additionally, Perry has received three separate on-ice suspensions.

During the Blackhawks' dynasty era, they faced off against Perry's Anaheim Ducks on multiple occasions, including in the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs. He was a constant pest during these meetings, both with his antagonistic play and his ability to score clutch goals. When looking back on his career, many people will remember the dirty play of Perry rather than his skill or point production with the Ducks. But if you're looking to kill some time, YouTube has no shortage of Perry's on-ice shenanigans.

As a Blackhawks fan shifting to a more positive outlook, the future is starting to look pretty exciting. Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Alex Vlasic, Sam Rinzel, and more can help us to turn the chapter on some of these old names and help us to look forward to perhaps the Hawks' first win against the Mammoth.