3 pending free agent centers the Blackhawks should avoid in NHL free agency

Teddy Blueger, Vancouver Canucks

Teddy Blueger is a player who I can see going elsewhere and making a significant impact in someone’s middle-six. He isn’t a points producer, but he will win faceoffs, he’s more than fine with finishing body checks, and he’s also shown the ability to create opportunities for linemates often during this past season with the Vancouver Canucks. 

Like the other two players listed, it wouldn’t hurt the Blackhawks to sign a solid defense-first center like Blueger. His 50.8 Corsi For is stellar for a forward who spent 60.2 percent of his starts in the defensive zone at even strength, as were the 37 goals he was on the ice for - the second-highest total of his career. 

But a player like Blueger is best suited to help teams in win-now mode, and the Blackhawks are another year or two from that. If we were heading into the 2026-27 season and if Blueger were on the market, I’d be more than fine with him coming to Chicago and taking up a spot on the lower lines. 

Blueger would also help the Blackhawks play better hockey in the defensive zone if they went out and signed him this offseason, and there is no doubt about that. But the timing and circumstances aren’t there, so while he would be valuable, he also isn’t an ideal fit. 

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)