Blackhawks free agent targets: 7 defensemen Chicago could sign this offseason
The forwards the Chicago Blackhawks will add this offseason may be the most interesting part of their upcoming summer, but they are expected to make a change or two among their defensemen as well.
Among their current defensemen, the Blackhawks will enter next season expecting to return Seth Jones, Kevin Korchinski, Alex Vlasic, Connor Murphy and probably Wyatt Kaiser. That doesn’t leave many roster spots. Defenseman prospects Nolan Allan and Ethan Del Mastro could be on the verge of the NHL next season, but they’ll likely have to wait for their opportunity in Rockford again.
What the Blackhawks will likely be looking for this offseason is someone who can better assist the team’s young defensemen. Jones was good for Vlasic this season, but Kaiser and Korchinski didn’t have as much stability with the team’s other veteran defensemen — particularly Korchinski, who was the youngest defenseman in the NHL this season. The Blackhawks will likely seek to bring a veteran upgrade.
The Blackhawks aren’t expected to sign a big-name free agent to a long-term deal. They will likely be fine spending over market value, but they’ll want to find someone who will sign a short-term deal.
So, who could be among the options? Below are some defensemen who are set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason. Just like in our previous story about the free agent forward options, included with each defenseman is a player card created using Dom Luszczyszyn’s analytics model and an opinion from microstat tracker Corey Sznajder, who knows the league as well as anyone.
Alex Carrier, Nashville Predators, right-handed, 27
Carrier could be a great fit, but he might be seeking a long-term deal. The Blackhawks might also be a difficult sell for some players who see all the young defensemen coming.
Sznajder’s take: Big fan of Alex Carrier, he’s a mobile guy who can retrieve pucks and take hits so Korch won’t be as taxed by the end of next year. Not sure what Nashville’s plan is for him going forward. UFA but still relatively new to the league since they called him up somewhat late. He’s had experience playing alongside (Roman) Josi and (Mattias) Ekholm there, so I love him as a top-four option if they can get him.
Jalen Chatfield, Carolina Hurricanes, right-handed, 27
Chatfield is in the same conversation as Carrier. He’s young enough that he could be looking for some more stability in a deal. But again, he’s someone who could definitely be an upgrade at the position.
Sznajder’s take: I’ve liked Chatfield’s game in Carolina. His mobility is really nice on the third pair and he’s dominated with (Dmitry) Orlov this year. Hasn’t gotten much of a chance to play higher in the lineup except for some penalty killing and spot duty with Jaccob Slavin. He’s somewhat unproven there, but he’s due for a nice payday with the work he’s put in with the Canes.
Brenden Dillon, Winnipeg Jets, left-handed, 33
The assumption might be the Blackhawks could use another right-handed defenseman, but it doesn’t sound like they’re too caught up in the left or right side. They’ll look at whoever is best for their lineup. Dillon is a little older than the previous two players and might be more open to a short-term deal.
Sznajder’s take: Dillon’s interesting. Not a great passer or puck-mover, but he’s mobile and tough. Usually has good results wherever he goes. Sort of like Connor Murphy, but left-hande
