The Chicago Blackhawks have had enough drama over the past years. This time, as they head into the 2025-26 NHL season, Jeff Blashill wants to avoid any unnecessary novel. On that note, reports indicate the organization is reaching an agreement with one of Connor Bedard‘s teammates.
Blashill is hoping to enter the Blackhawks’ locker room at United Center with winds of change blowing all throughout the city. In a town globally renowned for its powerful breeze, the Hawks want to feel it finally blowing in their favor.
Bedard and the rest of the team will be up for a big test. The challenge won’t get any easier for a squad that has only gotten younger, yet hasn’t added any NHL star to its ranks. The Blackhawks made their stance clear: this is who they’re rolling with. They extended some key players and mostly called it a day, making only a few minor moves — nothing ground-breaking.
Soderblom’s future
However, after restricted free agent (RFA) Arvid Soderblom filed for salary arbitration, Blashill and the Hawks were put against the wall. Now it’s up to them and the front office to either work out a deal with the goaltender or let an NHL arbitrator bring down the hammer and determine the proper compensation for the 25-year-old netminder. There’s always another option: letting Soderblom become a UFA — but that’s seemingly not within the realm of possibilities for Chicago.
“The Blackhawks have over $21 million in cap space, so it is likely they will settle with Soderblom on a one-year deal,” Michael Augello reported on The Hockey News.
Depth in net
Obviously, the Blackhawks intend to keep Soderblom in town. Still, they have other options to resort to if the salary arbitration saga ends badly. Recently, Chicago signed goaltender Stanislav Berezhnoy to a two-year entry-level contract. Such a signing might have secured a plan B in case things turn south with Soderblom.
Moreover, Chicago boasts two NHL-ready netminders. Spencer Knight, acquired at last season’s trade deadline, is slated to be the team’s starter. Hope remains for Knight to be the number one goalie for a very long time.
SURVEY Who do you think should be Knight's backup next season?
Who do you think should be Knight's backup next season?
already voted 21 fans
Alongside the former Panthers goalie, the Hawks have Drew Commesso. The 23-year-old who has appeared in just two NHL games but is eager to take the next step.