An unrestricted free agent who surprisingly drifted through most of the summer without a firm contract has finally landed somewhere — albeit on a professional tryout. But could this development spell trouble for a restricted free agent still waiting in the wings?
After signing a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins for 2024–25, Matt Grzelcyk delivered one of the best seasons of his pro career. Though he scored just once, Grzelcyk collected 39 assists — a career high — and matched Sidney Crosby’s team-leading 15 power-play points.
Still just 31, the veteran left-shot defenseman hoped to parlay that season into a multi-year deal. Instead, he now finds himself battling for a roster spot on one of the NHL’s cellar-dwelling teams.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Grzelcyk is joining the Chicago Blackhawks on a PTO. With camp opening this week, Chicago is trying to inject experience into a youthful defensive corps, which includes only one player older than 24 — Connor Murphy.
But the real question: what does Grzelcyk’s arrival mean for 23-year-old restricted free agent Wyatt Kaiser?
Matt Grzelcyk PTO Raises Questions About Near-Term Impact on RFA Wyatt Kaiser
Negotiations between the Blackhawks and Kaiser, who received a qualifying offer in June, have dragged on since mid-summer, with no agreement in sight. At first glance, the Grzelcyk PTO seems like a direct counter to Kaiser’s still-pending deal, and the Grzelcyk’s arrival raises a tricky question: if the Blackhawks are willing to bring in a veteran blue-liner on a tryout, why didn’t they just lock in the young up-and-comer?
But the real issue might not be money. As recently suggested by Blackhawk Up’s Greg Boysen, the hold-up likely centers on contract term more than salary. Kaiser has no arbitration rights, giving Chicago significant leverage. Meanwhile, Kaiser’s camp appears to be pushing for a longer deal — one that Chicago may not be ready to commit to.
A look at Kaiser’s recent production shows a player still ascending. Last season he played 57 games in Chicago, recording four goals and eight points, and split time with Rockford. Though not flashy, he’s developing into a reliable hybrid defenseman who can skate the puck, learn from mistakes, and adapt — traits that become more valuable on a young squad leaning heavily on developmental upside.
Chicago’s Approach Risks Stalling Development of Young Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser
If Kaiser and the Blackhawks don’t reach a deal soon, he risks missing chunks of training camp. As The Hockey Writers noted, he has one of the more projectable developmental arcs among the Blackhawks’ young blueliners, and getting him on the ice early would only accelerate his growth. The inclusion of Grzelcyk, even on a tryout basis, chips away at that potential ice time and introduces an older, trusted option into the mix, affecting Kaiser’s leverage and possibly his path.
It’s a delicate dance.
If Chicago uses Kaiser as a bargaining chip — or decides to ride out a short-term deal with Grzelcyk mentoring the young kids — it could slow Kaiser’s development or even push him toward a trade. On the other hand, if Kaiser locks in a contract soon, his role as a transitioning defender who can skate, move the puck, and learn from veterans could easily place him in a top-four role next season.
But time is running short, and the Grzelcyk move subtly shifts the pressure back onto Kaiser’s camp to make a decision.
Surprise Blackhawks Decision Puts a Young Defenseman’s Future in Doubt