Top Former Blackhawks Remain Unrestricted Free Agents in NHL

Despite the calendar flipping to July, the NHL free agent market still has intriguing talent available, particularly among former Chicago Blackhawks. Notable players such as Patrick Kane, Matt Grzelcyk, Philipp Kurashev, and David Kampf have yet to find new homes.

Of this group, Kane stands out as a significant name. The Blackhawks icon continues to demonstrate his prowess as a top-six winger, having registered 57 points in 67 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings. While the prospect of him returning to Chicago is enticing for fans, it remains unlikely. Instead, Kane is expected to seek a spot on a contending team if he decides not to re-sign with Detroit.

Grzelcyk, who stands at 5-foot-10, is another player still on the market. After contributing 12 assists in 69 games last season with the Blackhawks, he is yet to secure a contract. His previous experience includes a solid performance with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he notched 40 points over 82 games in the 2024-25 season. With his proven skill set, many are wondering if he will find a deal with an NHL club sooner rather than later.

Kurashev, who signed with the San Jose Sharks after not receiving a qualifying offer from the Blackhawks last summer, had a respectable 2025-26 campaign. The 26-year-old forward recorded seven goals and 20 points in 43 games, making him an attractive option for teams seeking additional secondary scoring.

Finally, Kampf, a 31-year-old center, is still searching for a contract after tallying two goals and six points in 40 games split between the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals last season. While he may not provide significant offensive output, his strong defensive skills and faceoff capabilities make him a valuable asset in a bottom-six role.

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