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After 2025–26 is over, Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has to deal with an offseason that feels urgent right away. Even with Connor Bedard doing that generational center stuff, the rebuild around him still moves at a slower pace than people want. So Chicago ends up near the lower part of the standings again, which is not exactly ideal. Davidson has also made it clear that the front office is moving from asset accumulation toward direct roster improvements, so expect them to part ways with a few veterans. The whole idea is cap flexibility and more openings for the next wave, like Roman Kantserov. And with that acceleration, several roster pieces look pretty unlikely to be back at the United Center next winter.
Ilya Mikheyev: The Trade Market Destination
Winger Ilya Mikheyev is near the top of the possible exit list as 2026 unrestricted free agency gets close. He’s coming off a contract carrying a $4.75 million average annual value, and overall he still gave Chicago a solid burst of secondary scoring and veteran experience and still, reports around the league suggest no long-term extension appears close before free agency opens.
If the Blackhawks think they might lose him without getting anything back, they could explore moving his negotiating rights or simply allow him to test the open market; Davidson wants more long-term flexibility, and he’s also chasing a stronger supporting cast around Bedard and paying a premium price for a veteran winger starts to look less attractive for a rebuilding roster. With several cap-conscious teams always looking for experienced wing depth, Mikheyev is very likely to attract outside interest heading into the offseason.
Arvid Söderblom: The Backup Goaltender Realignment
Goaltending is another spot where Chicago needs more stability, because the backup role has remained inconsistent and Arvid Söderblom has shown flashes during stretches of the rebuild- but maintaining consistency at the NHL level has continued to be a challenge.
Because of those issues, Chicago could look toward the free-agent market for a more experienced second option in net and Söderblom’s uneven performances over the last few seasons make him a realistic candidate for a roster change, especially if the organization wants stronger support behind its primary goaltending group. That possibility makes him expendable as the front office searches for steadier defensive structure overall.
Veteran Forward Depth And Financial Flexibility
Chicago also faces decisions involving veteran forwards carrying notable cap hits. As the roster gets younger, the organization may prioritize speed, defensive reliability and lineup flexibility over maintaining expensive veteran depth pieces whose production no longer matches their contracts.
The Blackhawks still need more offensive support around Bedard- but they also need roster spots available for younger developing players like Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore, because of that, Chicago is expected to explore trade possibilities and other cap-clearing options during the offseason, creating more room for long-term roster development while continuing the rebuild around its younger core.
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