Projecting the Chicago Blackhawks' Restricted Free Agents Next Contracts

Mackenzie Entwistle

As I wrote in his midseason report card, Entwistle has played the role asked of him yet never demonstrated play that suggests he could be more than a fringe NHLer. Todd Welter points out that it is unlikely Entwistle is offered a qualifying offer and will hit free agency this summer. Entwistle’s next contract, wherever it is, will be around the league minimum for one year.

Reese Johnson

Johnson is also doubtful to be on the Hawks' 2024-2025 opening night roster. He plays a similar style to Entwistle, and teams need players to eat up those grinding fourth-line minutes. The issue is the Hawks have too many of those players already and will be looking to infuse more skill into their lineup next season and beyond. Another team will probably grab Johnson this summer on a league minimum salary.

Joey Anderson

Davidson has to be pleased with how Anderson (a throw-in in the Lafferty/McCabe trade with Toronto) has performed this season. The 25-year-old is a nice fit on Jason Dickinson’s right side and has made the most of his NHL promotion. Anderson’s hard-nosed, consistent play should earn him a $1-1.5 million AAV for a year or two.