These 3 Blackhawks veterans are on thin ice as youth movement grows

The Chicago Blackhawks are moving toward a youth movement. With a young core nearly established, and the third-overall selection in the upcoming draft next month, there is a sense that the next generation of successful hockey is on it way.

With that said, as this team is amongst the youngest in the National Hockey League, some older, more established veteran players may not be there to see the finished product of this rebuild. These three make the most sense, as their time may be coming to an end sooner than they would hope it would.

Nick Foligno

This is a given, as the 37-year-old forward is entering the endgame of his career. It is inevitable that Connor Bedard will eventually become the next captain of the Blackhawks after Foligno's tenure with this team has expired or retired.

In 78 games last season, Foligno scored 15 goals and assisted on 20 more. His point total of 35 is the second-highest point total he has had since the 2017-18 season, with the highest being the 2023-24 season of 37 points.

Father Time is coming for Foligno, and with the up-and-comers ready to take the reins soon, it may be time to move on from the captain.

Connor Murphy And T.J. Brodie

The following two players are going to be a toss-up. One will stay and lead this revolution of young Blackhawks blueliners, and one will not. 

The defensive unit of the Blackhawks lineup is full of young, talented players. The odd men out, however, are 32-year-old Connor Murphy and 34-year-old T.J. Brodie.

After Alec Martinez announced his retirement at the end of the season, there is a giant hole to fill in the lineup. The loss of leadership and experience is a big task for any defenseman, but either of these two players could live up to it. 

Murphy appeared in 68 games last season, scoring a pair of goals and adding 17 assists for 19 points. Of the defensive unit, he had the best plus-minus amongst them with a minus-2. 

Brodie didn’t find as much success last season, with a pair of goals and eight assists for 10 points. The 54 games he played in 2024-25 did not do much for the Blackhawks, except aiding them in their draft position. 

It is important to remember that both players are entering the final year of their contracts. Brodie is on the hook for $3.75 million next season, and Murphy is due $4.4 million with a modified no-trade clause attached. Both could see themselves finishing the 2025-26 season as a Blackhawks player, with the possibility of being shipped out at the trade deadline. But, in the grand scheme of things, one of these two will likely be out of town when these younger players get the hang of the NHL.