The top 3 former Blackhawks to keep an eye on in free agency

Despite not showing the same penchant for bringing back former Blackhawks as his predecessor, when GM Kyle Davidson surveys the 2025 NHL Free Agent class today, he will see a couple of familiar faces.

The chances that Davidson signs any of these players is slim to none as it appears the Hawks are due for a quiet offseason after a flurry of July 1 signings last year.  However, it is still a fun exercise to take a trip down memory lane and project where the top three former Hawks might land in free agency this year. 

Three former Blackhawks to keep an eye on at the start of free agency.

Pius Suter

After perfecting his trade for six pro seasons in his native Switzerland, Suter joined the Hawks as a free agent before the 2020-21 season. He managed a respectable 14 goals and 27 points in 55 games, but that wasn’t enough to re-sign in Chicago. After two years in Detroit, Suter signed in Vancouver, where he had a career year this season, notching 25 goals and 46 points. 

The 29-year-old is arguably the second-best center in this free agency class and will command an inflated salary as a result. If the Minnesota Wild move on from Marco Rossi, Suter would be a nice addition to their middle-six. 

Anthony Beauvillier

Since the start of the 2023-2024 season, Beauvillier has been traded three times and has played for five different teams. Suffice to say, he will be looking for some security on his next contract. Regardless, during his short stay in Chicago, Beauvillier was largely ineffective, tallying two goals and six points in 23 contests. 

In Pittsburgh and Washington this past year, the 28-year-old contributed 15 goals and 25 points. He could be a depth fit for a team like Carolina as he matches their speedy, relentless play style.

Corey Perry

Despite his short stay in Chicago, Perry needs no introduction to Blackhawks fans. The veteran of 1392 NHL games buried an impressive 19 goals this regular season to go along with 10 in the playoffs. Rumors suggest Perry, 40, wants to remain with the Edmonton Oilers, but the two sides are working on finding a reasonable cap hit.