Without rookie sensation Connor Bedard, it is unlikely the Blackhawks will make it out of last place in the division, let alone last place in the entire NHL. Even though Bedard has been out since in the injury on January 5th,he still leads the Blackhawks in goals, assists, and points.
The Chicago Blackhawks are trying to patch some holes on their team. Without their superstar rookie, the team is making some moves to keep the “continuity” going through the 2026 season.
That seemed to be especially important to Jason Dickinson. The 28-year-old forward is one of the veterans on the team who was able to close an extension deal. Dickinson told reporters “This is the place I want to be.” Dickinson will not be the only one staying through the 2026. Nick Foligno, 36, signed a two-year deal last Friday.
Dickinson and Foligno have been two bright spots on the Chicago Blackhawks, who are sitting dead last in the Central Division. The issue is not the contracts; the issue is their age. Everyone should know the Blackhawks are still in rebuild mode and have a shot at the number one overall pick in this summers NHL Draft.
So why would the Blackhawks sign older veterans when they are rebuilding? Experienced veterans are valuable to teams because of their experience and leadership. They have the ability to train young players in the rink, and the wisdom to help develop young leaders, like Bedard. While much of this work falls on the coaches, it is important to have leaders within the roster to play a role in the development of others.
The Blackhawks are applying some band-aid solutions for the near future to help their long-term future. The question is, who else on the team can help with the development of the team? Next on the list is 31 year old goalie Petr Mrazek. Mrazek is a top 20 goalie in the league right now, and as backup Arvid Soderblom is struggling on the Rockford Ice Hogs, we might see Mrazek getting a 2 year extension soon.
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