After a rough 2023-2024 season, the Chicago Blackhawks made significant improvements to their roster this offseason. The Hawks struggled with team depth amidst a flurry of injuries last season. This offseason, Kyle Davidson made sure that the Hawks would be better equipped next season, bringing in seven new faces. With the improved roster, some Blackhawks will be fighting for spots on the opening night roster. Let’s cover some Blackhawks players who will be competing for roster spots in the 2024-2025 season.
Three Blackhawks Players Fighting for Roster Spots
Landon Slaggert
After a 16-game stint in the NHL near the end of the 2023-2024 season, Slaggert is a candidate to not make the Blackhawks final roster. The former third round pick recorded four points in 16 games for the Hawks following signing with the team in March. The Hawks made additions to their bottom six by signing Pat Maroon and Craig Smith, making it tougher on a prospect like Slaggert to make the roster.
This isn’t to say Slaggert doesn’t need the time in the AHL. Slaggert was decent in NHL competition but could use some more seasoning in the minors. Allowing him to develop more would be best for Chicago. Slaggert is a bottom six player and likely always will be. If Slaggert stays in the NHL this season, he likely won’t get many minuets, so sending him to Rockford where he can play more consistent minuets might be for the best. However, Slaggert will likely be one of the first players called up to the NHL in the wake of injuries. It seems like Slaggert might be forced into an AHL role due simply to added team depth.
Kevin Korchinski
After a rough rookie season, Kevin Korchinski is finally eligible to spend time in the AHL. Due to agreements between the NHL and the Canadian Hockey League, CHL players can’t be assigned to the AHL until they turn 20. This put the Blackhawks in a rough situation with Korchinski. They either had to send him back to the WHL or keep him in the NHL. Kyle Davidson opted to keep him in the NHL, which was a move that didn’t work overly well for Chicago.
Now that Korchinski is eligible to play in the AHL, this could be the route the Hawks opt for. Korchinski was outmatched in the NHL. Giving him a chance to improve his defensive game and get more consistent minuets could be a huge confidence booster for him. The Blackhawks added veterans Alec Martinez and T.J. Brodie in free agency, so they have options to replace Korchinski in the lineup. Considering Korchinski’s play in year one, it might be best for the Blackhawks to leave him off the final roster.
Arvid Soderblom
Soberblom had a disappointing 2023-2024 season in Chicago. In his first long-term stint in the NHL, Soderblom struggled. He posted a .880 save percentage along with a 3.92 goals against average. The Blackhawks never had a replacement fit to take Soderblom’s roster spot, so he had a longer leash than he should have. Now with the signing of Laurent Brossoit, Soderblom is at risk of losing his role in the NHL
Even in the AHL, it is hard to see Soderblom get a starting job. Blackhawks top prospect Drew Commesso is coming off a strong season with the Rockford IceHogs, making Soderbloms situation even tougher. Soderblom is still only 24-years old, so he has the chance to bounce back. Although, his stats have never reflected an NHL caliber goalie.
With another season of Blackhawks hockey coming quickly, the Blackhawks training camp will be one to keep a close eye on. The Blackhawks roster is still unsolidified in many ways. With the additions made this offseason, the roster battles will become more intense with the team finally hoping to turn the corner on their rebuild.
Main Photo: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
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