There is usually a ton of money spent on free agents each offseason. 2024 was much higher than 2025 as there were many signings trickling in right before free agency opened this year. The Chicago Blackhawks were one of the teams that spent the most on UFAs in 2024, totaling $60.2 million.
The Blackhawks were fourth on that list, trailing only the Nashville Predators ($122.75 million), Seattle Kraken ($94.5 million), and Boston Bruins (87.25 million). Close behind the Blackhawks were the New Jersey Devils ($53.25 million) and the Vancouver Canucks ($51.5 million). Five of these six teams did not make the playoffs despite all of the money they spent.
This definitely played a part in Kyle Davidson spending a whole lot less money this year, even though the Blackhawks could use another big name. At this point, with only Nikolaj Ehlers left to make a big difference in Chicago's roster, the team would be better to wait until next year and very well may just continue focusing on development.
The Blackhawks are well on their way to being a force in this league if all turns out. They have talent at every position and some future high-level players. Most of the team is young. Most of the veterans are just placeholders for now to complement the youth, eat up cap space, and help the team inch closer to competing.
The 2026 free agent class looks incredible right now, but while we can get excited about what could be next year, many of the names like Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, and Kyle Connor will likely re-sign before then.
Chicago's rebuild was sped up when they won the draft lottery for Connor Bedard, so it did alter plans and force him to experience losing before winning in the NHL. That won't last forever, but I do expect Chicago to spend more money on free agents in 2026 than they did this year, targeting a game-changing experienced forward. While the Blackhawks will need a more elite player than Teuvo Teravainen or Tyler Bertuzzi, those weren't bad signings.
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