5 Blackhawks Who Won't Return Next Season
Now that the NHL regular season is over, Chicago Blackhawks fans shouldn't expect to see these five players back on the 2024-25 roster.
With the 2023-24 regular season being a rebuilding year, it isn't surprising that the Chicago Blackhawks won't be participating in this year's NHL playoffs. Despite promising flashes here and there, the Blackhawks have a ways to go before returning to the postseason as they head into the offseason with this year's second-worst record.
As with most rebuilds, Chicago fans can expect to see a lot more changes coming this summer. Free agency and offseason trades are inevitable, meaning there's a good chance that the 2024-25 season roster will look quite different compared to the current group.
With that in mind, don't be surprised if these five Blackhawks aren't with the team next season.
1. C Tyler Johnson
There was a time when Tyler Johnson was one of the better middle-six centers in the league. He consistently hovered around the 45-50 point mark during his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, however, he's taken a step back since arriving in Chicago nearly three years ago.
Johnson's play has been lackluster with the Blackhawks and the 2023-24 campaign perfectly highlighted that fact. Although his goal-scoring has improved compared to last year, he's only playing at a 0.45 point-per-game pace and will finish his fifth-straight campaign without hitting the 40-point mark.
One of the main reasons why Johnson's play has dropped off is due to injuries. He's missed 97 games over the last three seasons for numerous reasons, which includes 17 absences this season. Considering how he's turning 34 in July, it's clear that he just can't recover like he used to.
Johnson is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) this offseason and I'd be shocked if the Blackhawks re-sign him. He just isn't the player that he once was and Chicago would be better off replacing him with a younger/healthier option.
Hell, I wouldn't even be surprised if Johnson contemplates retirement. He's already won two Stanley Cups, so it isn't like he needs to continue putting his body through the NHL grind.