DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 10: Head coach Anders Sörensen of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on March 10, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Chicago Blackhawks are under increasing pressure to part ways with their $60 million defenseman, a situation that has stirred significant conversation among fans, analysts, and team insiders alike. With the team entering a rebuilding phase and the defenseman’s performance and fit with the team increasingly scrutinized, the question looms: should the Blackhawks move on from this high-priced player?
At the heart of the debate is the defenseman’s massive contract, which carries a hefty price tag for a player whose on-ice contributions have not met the expectations that come with such a lucrative deal. The defenseman, whose name was once synonymous with stability and leadership, has seen his play deteriorate in recent seasons. While flashes of brilliance remain, they have become more sporadic, and his defensive lapses are harder to ignore as the Blackhawks look to build a competitive team for the future.
The Blackhawks are currently in a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing younger players and ensuring that their long-term strategy is aligned with the modern NHL’s pace and dynamics. The team’s general manager, Kyle Davidson, has made it clear that he’s willing to move players who no longer fit the vision for a more agile and fast-paced roster. In this context, the defenseman, whose skills seem increasingly out of step with the evolving game, has come under the microscope.
With a contract that runs until the 2026-27 season, the defenseman’s massive cap hit is an albatross for the Blackhawks. While his past achievements and leadership qualities are undeniable, his declining performance raises the question of whether paying a player of his caliber is worth it for a team that isn’t in immediate contention. In particular, the Blackhawks are looking to avoid becoming a cap-strapped team unable to make the necessary moves to improve and move forward.
The reality is, as the Blackhawks work to retool and rebuild, there are opportunities to trade or offload older, high-priced veterans for assets that better fit the team’s future. The defenseman could still fetch a solid return on the market, even though his value has diminished somewhat due to his recent struggles. Teams that are contenders for the Stanley Cup may view him as a player who could add depth or experience to their blueline, making him an attractive trade target. If the Blackhawks are willing to eat some of his salary, the chances of moving him become even more likely.
This leaves the Blackhawks in a delicate situation, as they have to balance short-term goals with long-term aspirations. While moving on from a player with such a high salary and longstanding relationship with the team might not be easy, it may ultimately be the best course of action. By trading him, the Blackhawks could free up cap space, clear a path for younger defensemen, and continue building toward their future.
In the end, parting ways with their $60 million defenseman might be a painful but necessary step for the Chicago Blackhawks. As they look ahead to a new era of hockey, it may become clear that the team’s future needs to be built without the weight of an expensive, aging player on their roster.
