The Chicago Blackhawks showed signs of progress this season, but the rebuild is far from complete. After finishing with a 29-38-14 record, there’s clear improvement from last year, but not enough to suggest they’re ready to take the next step. If Chicago wants to accelerate its rebuild, this offseason will be critical.
Lock in Connor Bedard Long-Term
It should come as no surprise that securing Connor Bedard is at the top of this list. While his restricted free agency makes this more of a formality than a question, the real story lies in the details of the deal.
Bedard took a significant step forward in 2025–26, recording 30 goals and 45 assists in 69 games. For a 20-year-old who missed time with a shoulder injury, those numbers only reinforce his status as the franchise cornerstone.
The focus now shifts to term and cap hit; a long-term extension in the $12–15 million range will have a major impact on how general manager Kyle Davidson builds the roster moving forward. As more young players come off entry-level deals, cap flexibility will become increasingly important.
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There’s also a leadership element to consider. Following the departures of veterans like Nick Foligno, Connor Murphy, and Jason Dickinson, Bedard stepped into a larger role and handled it well. He already looks like the future face of the franchise, both on and off the ice.
Locking in Bedard isn’t just about keeping a star player; it’s about defining the timeline and structure of the entire rebuild.
Be Aggressive in Free Agency
The Blackhawks’ young core is starting to take shape. With Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Anton Frondell down the middle, Chicago has the foundation of a strong forward group. On the back end, players like Artyom Levshunov, Kevin Korchinski, Wyatt Kaiser, Alex Vlasic, and Sam Rinzel provide a mix of size, mobility, and upside.
What the roster lacks is proven support.
This offseason, Davidson should prioritize adding wingers who can complement his young centers. The goal isn’t just to add talent, but to find players who can elevate the production of those around them.
With significant cap space available, Chicago is well-positioned to be aggressive. Targeting a top-six winger who can play alongside Bedard would immediately improve the team’s offensive consistency. Adding a reliable veteran presence could also help stabilize a young locker room still learning how to win.
The core is in place; now it’s about surrounding it with the right pieces to take the next step.
Target Impact Talent via Trade
Free agency can address depth, but meaningful roster upgrades often come through the trade market. If the Blackhawks want to accelerate their rebuild, they need to be bold.
“I think they recognize that they’re not there, yet. I think they’re going to start taking those steps this summer and going into next. They’ve got about $40 million in cap space, and yeah, a chunk of that is going to Connor Bedard, who is a restricted free agent, and they’ll enhance those conversations once the season ends. He could be anywhere between $12 and $15 million per season, depending on term.”
– David Pagnotta
The ideal target is a player who is young enough to grow with the core but experienced enough to make an immediate impact. One name that fits that profile is Dawson Mercer of the New Jersey Devils.
At 24 years old, Mercer offers a blend of versatility and upside. He has already proven he can produce at the NHL level, and while his recent seasons have been inconsistent, that may create an opportunity for Chicago to buy low.
Mercer’s ability to play both center and wing would give the Blackhawks flexibility throughout their lineup. He could slot into the top six and help create a more balanced offensive attack, something Chicago currently lacks.
With Mercer entering the final year of his contract, New Jersey may be forced to make a decision about his future. If he becomes available, Chicago should be among the first teams to inquire.
This is the type of calculated move that can accelerate a rebuild without sacrificing long-term assets.
Final Thoughts
The Blackhawks are no longer at the beginning of their rebuild; they aren’t finished either. With a strong young core, ample cap space, and a growing prospect pool, the foundation is in place.
Now, it’s about execution.
Locking in Bedard, adding the right pieces in free agency, and making smart, targeted trades could be the difference between another mediocre year and a team ready to take a meaningful step forward.
