Three Blackhawks UFAs Likely to Depart Before Free Agency

The NHL free agency period is fast approaching, and the Chicago Blackhawks face important decisions regarding their roster of pending unrestricted free agents. With less than a month to go, the fate of several players hangs in the balance.

Among the most notable names is Ilya Mikheyev, whose signing rights have reportedly been made available for trade, as noted by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. This development raises the possibility that Mikheyev may not return to the Blackhawks next season. However, given his crucial role in the team’s forward group and on the penalty kill, the organization might still pursue an extension despite his trade availability. In 77 games this season, Mikheyev contributed significantly with 18 goals and 36 points, finishing with a plus-2 rating.

Another player whose future with the team is uncertain is Matt Grzelcyk. The Massachusetts native served as a steady presence on the Blackhawks’ blue line, recording 12 assists in 69 games. With a wealth of young and promising defensemen emerging in the organization, the Blackhawks may opt to let Grzelcyk walk in search of a more impactful upgrade this summer.

Lastly, Sam Lafferty’s season with the Blackhawks was largely uneventful. Frequently scratched and managing only two points in 29 games, it seems likely that the team will choose not to retain Lafferty as they look to refresh their roster.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.