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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.

By Devon Platana

Tyler Johnson is one of five Blackhawks who likely won't return for the 2024-25 NHL season.
Tyler Johnson is one of five Blackhawks who likely won't return for the 2024-25 NHL season. / Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
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2. D Nikita Zaitsev

After being traded to Chicago from the Ottawa Senators last season, it's safe to say that Nikita Zaitsev's first full season as a Blackhawk left much to be desired.

For starters, Zaitsev missed more than half the season due to a combination of a knee injury and a bone fracture. Even when he was playing, the Russian defenseman caused headaches more often than not on the ice. He's been on the ice when the opposition scores more often than not, proven by his minus-6 on-ice goal differential.

There's little about Zaitsev's game that warrants the Blackhawks re-signing the pending UFA this offseason. He's bad on most nights and is only average at best when he's playing his best. Chances are that Chicago can easily upgrade his spot in the lineup, whether that's with a free-agent signing or an internal option.

Unless he's willing to take a minimum deal as a seventh defenseman, I have a tough time imagining many teams wanting to give Zaitsev a shot. His NHL career just isn't panning out as expected, leaving time to tell how much time he has remaining in the league.

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