The Chicago Blackhawks are going to be an interesting team to watch during the offseason. After another season being among the bottom teams in the NHL standings, it would not be surprising in the slightest if they look to make some additions during the summer.
One way that the Blackhawks could look to improve their roster is through free agency. While this year’s free agency class is not the strongest, the Blackhawks could have some interesting players to pursue once July 1 is here.
Because of this, let’s take a look at three pending UFAs who the Blackhawks should consider making a push if they hit the market.
Blackhawks Should Look to Bolster Top Six By Signing Sabres’ Alex Tuch
If Alex Tuch ends up hitting the free-agent market this offseason instead of re-signing with the Buffalo Sabres, the Blackhawks would be wise to pursue him. It is no secret that the Blackhawks need to add at least one proven star winger to their top six, and signing Tuch would provide them with just that.
If the Blackhawks landed Tuch, he would give Connor Bedard another high-impact forward to work with on Chicago’s first line. It is clear that Bedard needs far more help around him, and signing a forward like Tuch would give him that. Tuch’s stats from this season show that, as he had 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games this regular season with the Sabres.
Blackhawks Should Target Leader in Blue Jackets’ Boone Jenner
After trading former captain Nick Foligno to the Minnesota Wild this offseason, it would not hurt for the Blackhawks to bring in another well-respected leader to their roster. Because of this, if Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner becomes a free agent on July 1, the Blackhawks should strongly consider signing him.
Jenner would be a great mentor for the Blackhawks’ younger players if the Original Six club signed him. He would also provide their top nine and special-team units with a nice boost if signed, as he is still an impactful forward at this stage in his career. In 67 games this season with the Blue Jackets, the 6-foot-2 forward had 13 goals, 25 assists, 38 points, and 147 hits.
Blackhawks Should Buy Low on Canadiens’ Patrik Laine
With the Blackhawks needing more scoring, Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine could be an interesting forward for the Blackhawks to buy low on. Injury trouble essentially took away Laine’s season, as he played in just five games with the Habs in 2025-26. With this, he is entering the summer with low value, and the Blackhawks should consider taking a flier on him with a one-year deal because of it.
Laine is an incredibly skilled forward when healthy, and he could perform well on the Blackhawks if given a more important role. Keep in mind, Laine had 20 goals and 33 points in 52 games for Montreal in 2024-25 and 52 points in 55 games for the Blue Jackets in 2022-23. With this, the former 44-goal scorer could be a veteran the Blackhawks take a chance on as they look for more offense. On a one-year, prove-it deal, signing Laine would come with no risk for a rebuilding squad like Chicago.
NHL Rumors: 3 Chicago Blackhawks Potential Free-Agent Targets