These 3 Chicago Blackhawks forwards might not survive the 2025 offseason

The Chicago Blackhawks enter this offseason with a number of question marks following a disappointing season.

While no one picked the Blackhawks to make the playoffs, the club was, at least, expected to take a step forward in its rebuild. But a last-place finish in the Central Division and another lottery pick could prompt the team to make some tough-love decisions moving forward.

Those tough-love decisions could involve moving on from these three forwards could did not live up to expectations in 2024-25.

3 - Jason Dickinson

Jason Dickinson was a name thrown around at the trade deadline but apparently did not get as much attention as the Blackhawks could have hoped for.

Dickinson will enter the final year of his current two-year next season. At $4.25 million he could be an interesting option for a contender looking to bolster its middle-six. However, his underwhelming numbers, seven goals and 59 points, could make it tough for the Blackhawks to move him this summer.

Nevertheless, Chicago may have no other choice as his cap hit is too high given his level of production. With some salary retention and an underwhelming return (perhaps a middle to later-round pick) could get the job done.

2 - Joe Veleno

Joe Veleno joined the Blackhawks at the trade deadline in the Peter Mrazek deal. While he’s a depth forward at best, he comes with a $2.275 cap hit this upcoming season.

In my estimation, Veleno stays and plays a role in the Blackhawks' middle six. But it’s his cap hit that could prompt the Blackhawks to make a move this summer. Perhaps sending him to a contending team looking for a cheaper alternative in their bottom six could kick the tires on Veleno.

It remains to be seen what, if anything, the Blackhawks could get for Veleno, especially considering he’s set to be an RFA in 2027.

1 - Ilya Mikheyev

Ilya Mikheyev is entering the final year of his current four-year deal. At $4.75 million, the Blackhawks may be compelled to move on from Mikheyev and better allocate his cap hit on other priorities, such as re-signing their current crop of RFAs.

The catch is that Mikheyev has a 12-team no-trade clause, making it challenging to find a suitable trade partner for the 30-year-old Russian forward.

Nevertheless, the Mikheyev could be an interesting one-year rental for a team looking to add speed and reliable defensive play in their middle six. While Mikheyev’s production and cap hit make him tough to move to a contender, he could be attractive for a budding playoff team looking to find some sort of support heading into this season.