Earlier this week, the Chicago Blackhawks invited defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to training camp on a professional tryout (PTO). With this, the Blackhawks have added more competition at camp and have the opportunity to watch a solid veteran blueliner closely in Grzelcyk.
Grzelcyk is coming off a strong 2024-25 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 82 games on the year with the Metropolitan Division club, he scored one goal and set new career highs with 39 assists and 40 points. With numbers like these, it makes sense that the Blackhawks are giving the Charlestown, Massachusetts native a look on a PTO.
However, Grzelcyk earning a contract from the Blackhawks is not guaranteed. The Blackhawks have several young defensemen eyeing NHL jobs heading into the new year. A few include Sam Rinzel, Artyom Levshunov, Kevin Korchinski, Nolan Allen, and Wyatt Kaiser. With this, Grzelcyk has a lot of competition to go up against in Chicago.
However, based on a recent report, Grzelcyk has other potential options to consider besides the Blackhawks.
Insider Names Multiple Potential Suitors for Matt Grzelcyk
In a recent article for The Athletic, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun named the Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, and Anaheim Ducks as teams to watch with Grzelcyk.
“The Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders and Ducks would be other potential situations to monitor for Grzelcyk, depending on how camps and the preseason go for those teams and their younger defensemen,” LeBrun reported. “Whatever happens, Grzelcyk should end up on a one-year, prove-it contract somewhere this season.
With Grzelcyk being a steady veteran defenseman, multiple clubs being connected to him is understandable. Each of those teams could use help on the left side of their defense, and Grzelcyk would provide them with just that.
At this point in the offseason, Grzelcyk is not necessarily in a position to demand a big payday, either. With this, the teams mentioned by LeBrun would likely be able to afford Grzelcyk.
Matt Grzelcyk Deserves Another NHL Contract
While Grzelcyk is unsigned, there is no question that he deserves another NHL contract. As noted above, the 31-year-old defenseman just had a strong offensive season in 2024-25 with the Penguins. With this, many expected him to find a new home early on in free agency. However, he had to settle for a PTO with the Blackhawks and still needs a new contract.
Besides having a solid season, another reason why teams could target Grzelcyk is that he has been a solid two-way defenseman throughout his career. It is a major reason why he was an important part of the Boston Bruins‘ blueline during his eight-year stint with the team.
Grzelcyk could also be a nice depth addition for a playoff club, like the Avalanche, in particular. This is because he has plenty of postseason experience, having played in 66 career playoff games with Boston.
Nevertheless, it is going to be very interesting to see what happens with Grzelcyk. If the Blackhawks decide not to sign him, another team could scoop him up as a low-risk addition.
Blackhawks 40-Point Defender Linked to 4 Teams: Insider