Report: Kyle Davidson reveals these players will be sent packing in free agency

The Chicago Blackhawks face a critical juncture as they approach July 1st, tasked with decisions on multiple restricted (RFA) and unrestricted (UFA) free agents. With a hefty $33 million in salary cap space, General Manager Kyle Davidson has the flexibility needed to sculpt the future roster. The strategy? Determining which players align with the Blackhawks' evolving system.

Davidson acknowledges ongoing discussions, hinting at potential deals:

Speculation points to Joey Anderson, a notable performer this past season, as a key focus in these talks.

Despite the open dialogues, not all players are guaranteed a spot, especially with potential promotions from their AHL affiliate in Rockford looming. Veterans like Colin Blackwell, Tyler Johnson, and Nikita Zaitsev, alongside Jaycob Megna and Jarred Tinordi, face uncertain futures as they could either re-sign or explore free agency.

Among the RFAs, aside from Joey Anderson, are MacKenzie Entwistle, Reese Johnson, and Taylor Raddysh. These players, primarily serving in depth roles, may find themselves seeking opportunities elsewhere, particularly if the Blackhawks prioritize youth and restructuring.

Joey Anderson emerged as a key asset, particularly noted for his contributions to some of the team's most effective lines in terms of expected goals (XG%). Alongside Jason Dickinson and Colin Blackwell, Anderson helped drive the offensive play.

With his last contract pegged at an $800K average annual value (AAV) for 2023-2024 and eligibility for arbitration, his negotiations could set a precedent for how the Blackhawks approach their salary cap flexibility.

Davidson's next moves remain under wraps, but the intention is clear: leveraging the available cap space to maintain roster continuity while possibly allowing older contracts to expire, thus embracing a younger, dynamic team composition. This approach will be critical as the Blackhawks aim to build a competitive team in the evolving NHL landscape.

Explore ongoing updates and discussions on the Blackhawks' strategy here:

Source: CapFriendly
JOEY ANDERSON #15