Kyle Davidson Delivered On His Promise To Take A Step Forward And Had A Great Spending Spree In Free Agency
When all the big names that had been linked to the Blackhawks earlier in the summer started to fade away from the Blackhawks for one reason or another I was starting to get nervous that the Blackhawks wouldn't make any moves to improve the team this year. I couldn't watch another season like 2023-24. It was painful. The org had no depth so a few injuries turned them into AHL roster. Watching the Blackhawks has started to feel like sitting in traffic. You're on the right road, but going 3mph, wanting rip your steering wheel straight off as you give the finger (below the window) and yell vile things (with the windows up) at drivers around you.
That won't be the case now. The Blackhawks added so much depth that it'll be hard to crack the line up.
Tyler Bertuzzi, wing, 4 years at $5.5M
Old school guy. All the old buzz words. Greasy areas sand paper. I think fans will love him. He seems like the most annoying type of guy to play against. No play is over. No battle is lost. A guy who isn't an elite skater, but wins races. He is guaranteed to score 20+ goals per year. Bertuzzi is a tough dude who will create space and opportunities for Bedard and will jump anyone who even looks at Bedard funny. I've always loved Bertuzzi and he brings an attitude that the Hawks have severely lacked in recent times.
Turbo Teravainen, wing, 3 years at $5.4M
Who says you can't go home again? Teravainen is just a solid hockey player. Does so many things well, but nothing really that elite. He's a smart player who I think will compliment Bedard perfectly. Teravainen will play in all situations for the Blackhawks. He makes every aspect of the team better. Not super sexy, but gets the job done.
Alec Martinez, defense, 1 year at $4M
The Blackhawks seem to target guys that were a pain in the ass the last time the Blackhawks were good. It's been a long time since Martinez and the Kings were breaking our hearts. He's still effective. He's known as a great locker room guy. No more Zaitsev, no more Megna, no more Tinordi. Alec Martinez can play either side and will likely get top 4 minutes most nights this year.
I think the Blackhawks could still use more defenseman. Vlasic, Jones, Murphy, Martinez, and...who? This is going to be the most interesting camp battle. Korchinksi, Levshunov, Kaiser, Del Mastro, Phillips, Crevier, and Nolan Allen could all get NHL games this year and it wouldn't surprise me. I also think Korchinski is going to spend a good chunk of time in Rockford this year and I am sure that will rile some people up, but I think it is needed. Korchinski has a ton of tools. He had some very nice flashes will the puck and in transition, but he looked really lost without the puck in defense. Give him 3-4 months in Rockford playing 25 mins a night and in all situations. Slowcook him in a Rockford crockpot. Crockford. Set it and forget it and in the sping you've got another top 4 NHL defenseman.
TJ Brodie, 2 years at $3.75M
I started writing the blog yesterday before the Brodie signing and it basically confirms everything I said about the defense competition above. This is going to be a year where the organization focuses on development of their young defense. With Brodie now in the mix I think Korchinski 100% gets that AHL time that is needed. Same thing with Levshunov. There will be injuries to that veteran group which will allow for opportunities across the season, but for the most part it's going to be the young D with the great pedigree in the AHL and then everyone battling it out for that last spot or two on the NHL roster.
Brodie will block a ton of shots and do the dirty work defensively. I like the signing. And again…I like the term. The Blackhawks aren't quite ready to compete in a real way this year, but Brodie is a gap to when they will be and potentially a guy they could flip at some point for a mid round pick to a team that is competing.
Laurent Brossoit, goalie, 2 years at $3.3M
Another one I didn't see coming. The Blackhawks NEEDED an upgrade in net. Soderblom ain't it. You replace Soderblom with an average goalie and you probably have an automatic 12 more points in the standings. I was thinking they'd be in the market for Logan Thompson, but Brossoit might be the better option. He's never played more 24 games in a season. I expect he will be over 30 this year. With a light workload he's put up very good numbers in recent years. He's in for a culture shock after playing with Vegas and Winnipeg. His numbers probably take a dip playing behind the Blackhawks D but he's a no doubt upgrade.
Craig Smith and Big Rig
Two veteran leaders who add depth and scariness. The Blackhawks got bullied last year. That won't happen with the additions made. Maroon and Bertuzzi will bring an energy and mentality that has been missing. These two won't play every night, but they'll be good for the culture.
I really think this is close to a homerun for Davidson. They are much deeper than they were last year. Better top to bottom. I think this will be fun to watch next year. I don't think they're a point night for other teams anymore. Can't take this group lightly. Having said that…I still think the Blackhawks finish 7th in the Central. The Blackhawks will be back in the lottery again. That's okay. I just want good habits, good culture, and genuine development. The Blackhawks are much better than they were last year, but everything still about the future. The Blackhawks should be able to add another top 10 pick in a draft that is supposedly forward driven. Maybe the lottery gods shine down again and the Blackhawks end up with that offensive running mate for Bedard in Hagens, Martone, or McQueen.
Ideally, the Blackhawks are contender by the end of the Bertuzzi contract. Right now Teravainen and Bertuzzi are on your top line, but you hope by year 3 of those deals they're your 3rd line wings because Moore, Nazar, 2025 1st round pick, Vanacker and Boisvart, etc have pushed them down the lineup. The signings this summer will be one small step forward in the standings, but hopefully a giant leap for the organization.