{"id":330496,"date":"2026-05-07T03:29:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T21:59:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/?p=330496"},"modified":"2026-05-07T03:29:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T21:59:17","slug":"keys-for-the-chicago-blackhawks-and-free-agents-trade-targets-for-the-san-jose-sharks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/index.php\/2026\/05\/07\/keys-for-the-chicago-blackhawks-and-free-agents-trade-targets-for-the-san-jose-sharks\/","title":{"rendered":"Keys for the Chicago Blackhawks, and Free Agents, Trade Targets for the San Jose Sharks"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Keys to the offseason for the Chicago Blackhawks<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ryan S. Clarke and Kristen Shelton of ESPN<\/strong><\/a>: the keys to the offseason for the Chicago Blackhawks.<\/p>\n

Projected cap space:\u00a0$40.2 million
2026 draft picks:\u00a01st, 1st (FLA, if not in top 10), 2nd, 2nd (TOR), 2nd (NYI)<\/p>\n

Getting Connor Bedard<\/a> signed to a contract extension is clearly their major priority. The Blackhawks could look so as to add some veterans to their blue line, as they currently have seven Dmen under contract, and so they are all under 24 years old.<\/p>\n

Their forward group can also be young, and so they\u2019ll must make decisions on pending UFA forward Ilya Mikheyev<\/a> and Sam Lafferty<\/a>. Forward Andre Burakovsky<\/a> is entering the ultimate 12 months of his contract at a $5 million cap hit. He hasn\u2019t hit 20 goals or 40 points since 2021-22, so that they\u2019ll need to make your mind up if he\u2019s price keeping around.<\/p>\n

What Does the Near Future Hold for Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs?<\/a><\/p>\n

Free agent and trade options for the San Jose Sharks<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sheng Peng of NBC Sports Bay Area<\/strong><\/a>: The San Jose Sharks must add to their blue line this offseason as they currently only have two players under contract \u2013 Dmitry Orlov<\/a> and Sam Dickinson<\/a>. Shakir Mukhamadullin<\/a> is an RFA, and prospect Eric Pohlkamp is perhaps able to jump. Mario Ferraro<\/a> and Vincent Desharnais<\/a> are UFAs and are options to bring back.<\/p>\n

If making the playoffs next is something they wish to do, they\u2019re going to wish to make one or two significant additions to the blue line.<\/p>\n

Free Agent Options<\/strong><\/p>\n

Darren Raddysh<\/a> \u2013 Tampa Bay Lightning \u2013 The 30-year-old may very well be an ideal addition for his or her power play.<\/p>\n

John Carlson<\/a> \u2013 Anaheim Geese \u2013 At 36-years-old, age is a priority. Can be a pleasant bridge until prospects are ready.<\/p>\n

Jacob Trouba<\/a> \u2013 Anaheim Geese \u2013 GM Mike Grier<\/a> is aware of Trouba from their NY Rangers days. The 32-year-old brings some size and physicality that Grier wants.<\/p>\n

Rasmus Andersson<\/a> \u2013 Vegas Golden Knights \u2013 He\u2019s believed to wish to extend in Vegas, even before they traded for him.<\/p>\n

NHL Rumors: Will the Pittsburgh Penguins Roster Look Different Next Season<\/a><\/p>\n

Trade Options<\/strong><\/p>\n

Simon Nemec<\/a> \u2013 Latest Jersey Devils \u2013 Some like him, some don\u2019t. What’s going to recent Devils GM Sunny Mehta consider him?<\/p>\n

Filip Hronek<\/a> \u2013 Vancouver Canucks \u2013 Is he even available? He needs to be, but he wouldn\u2019t come low-cost. A No. 2 or 3 Dman.<\/p>\n

Darnell Nurse<\/a> \u2013 Edmonton Oilers \u2013 A $9.25 million cap hit through 2030 for the 31-year-old. The $9.25 million is his only issue.<\/p>\n

Morgan Rielly<\/a> \u2013 Toronto Maple Leafs \u2013 Doesn\u2019t bring the offense like he once did, and questions on his defensive game and mobility. 32 and under contract through 2030 at $7.5 million.<\/p>\n

Dougie Hamilton<\/a> \u2013 Latest Jersey Devils \u2013 Two years left at $9 million for the 32-year-old. He blocked a trade to the Sharks last offseason. Could the Sharks\u2019 improvement change his mind this offseason?<\/p>\n

Others who is perhaps made available or the Sharks\u00e8 could goal include Roman Josi, Josh Morrissey, Adam Fox, Vladislav Gavrikov, Brandon Montour, Vince Dunn, Colton Parayko, Bowen Byram, and Owen Power.<\/p>\n

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