Three Blackhawks Players Fighting for Roster Spots
After a challenging 2023-2024 season, the Chicago Blackhawks have made substantial roster improvements this offseason. The team struggled with depth issues amid numerous injuries last year. General Manager Kyle Davidson responded by bringing in seven new players, ensuring the Hawks are better prepared for the next season. With these enhancements, several Blackhawks players are now competing for spots on the opening night roster. Here’s a look at some players vying for roster positions in the 2024-2025 season.
Landon Slaggert
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Following a 16-game NHL stint at the end of the 2023-2024 season, Slaggert faces a challenge to secure a place on the Blackhawks’ final roster. The former third-round pick tallied four points in those 16 games after joining the team in March. The additions of Pat Maroon and Craig Smith to the bottom six have made it tougher for prospects like Slaggert to make the team.
While Slaggert showed promise in the NHL, he could benefit from further development in the AHL. Sending him to Rockford for more consistent minutes might be beneficial, as he is likely to be a bottom-six player in the NHL. Despite this, Slaggert could be among the first called up due to injuries, but his spot on the NHL roster seems uncertain due to the added team depth.
Kevin Korchinski
After a challenging rookie season, Korchinski is now eligible to play in the AHL. Due to NHL-CHL agreements, CHL players can’t be assigned to the AHL until they turn 20, complicating the Blackhawks’ decision. Kyle Davidson chose to keep him in the NHL, a decision that didn’t pan out well for Chicago.
Now eligible for the AHL, Korchinski could benefit from developing his defensive skills and gaining more consistent minutes. With veterans Alec Martinez and T.J. Brodie joining the team, the Hawks have options to replace Korchinski in the lineup. Given his performance in his rookie year, leaving Korchinski off the final roster might be the best move for the Blackhawks.
Arvid Soderblom
Soderblom had a disappointing 2023-2024 season, posting a .880 save percentage and a 3.92 goals against average. The Blackhawks lacked a suitable replacement, giving him a longer leash than necessary. With Laurent Brossoit now signed, Soderblom risks losing his NHL role.
Even in the AHL, Soderblom’s chances of securing a starting job are slim, especially with top prospect Drew Commesso coming off a strong season with the Rockford IceHogs. At 24 years old, Soderblom still has time to recover, but his stats have yet to demonstrate NHL-caliber goaltending.
With the new season approaching, the Blackhawks’ training camp will be crucial to watch. The roster remains unsettled, and with offseason additions, the competition will be fierce as the team aims to turn a corner in their rebuild.