Chicago Blackhawks Facing Tough Roster Decision as Veteran Forward’s Future Hangs in the Balance Ahead of 2025-26 Season

The Chicago Blackhawks are entering the 2025-26 NHL season with cautious optimism, hoping that their rebuilding efforts will finally show results on the ice. But as excitement builds around the team’s young stars, a difficult roster decision looms — one that could see a seasoned veteran forward land on waivers before opening night.

Despite his experience and previous stints with the Blackhawks, the veteran’s role is far from secure. Training camp will serve as a proving ground, and with a wave of hungry prospects ready to step into full-time NHL roles, the margin for error has never been slimmer. The question now facing Chicago is whether this forward still fits into the team’s long-term plans — or if his time in the Windy City could be cut short once again.

Lafferty’s $4M Gamble in Chicago

Despite the security of his deal, Lafferty’s grip on the lineup is anything but guaranteed. He is coming off a disappointing 2024-25 campaign where he scored just four goals and seven points in 60 games. For a 30-year-old veteran expected to provide depth scoring and leadership, those numbers raise questions about his long-term fit.

Now, with Chicago shifting its focus toward developing its young stars, Lafferty must prove he can still bring value. Otherwise, his $4M contract could quickly turn into a liability.

A Third Stint With the Blackhawks — But For How Long?

Few players in recent memory have had a journey as winding as Lafferty’s. Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2014, he first arrived in Chicago in 2022 in exchange for Alex Nylander. Since then, he’s bounced to Toronto in the Jake McCabe trade, moved to Vancouver in a cap-related deal, and signed in Buffalo before being traded back to Chicago this past summer for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

This unusual third stint in Chicago feels like a full-circle moment — but unless he delivers during camp, it could also be his shortest.

Depth Role or Disposable Piece?

Blackhawks roster projections currently slot Lafferty as the team’s fourth-line center, a role that highlights his veteran experience but also magnifies his vulnerability.

On one side, Chicago needs veterans to stabilize a young locker room. Lafferty’s ability to kill penalties and provide grit could be valuable. On the other, this is no longer about sentiment. The Blackhawks are rebuilding, and with Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar expected to lead the charge, veterans must prove they belong — or be replaced.

Youth Movement Applying Pressure

The Blackhawks rebuild 2025-26 is fueled by a wave of young talent, and several prospects are already pushing for NHL jobs. Oliver Moore, Ryan Greene, and Lukas Reichel are among the names vying for ice time, while Joey Anderson is another candidate to crack the lineup.

If Oliver Moore shines during camp, he could seize the fourth-line center spot outright, leaving Lafferty on the outside looking in.

What If Lafferty Hits Waivers?

If Lafferty doesn’t survive final cuts, he could land on the NHL waiver wire. And while that might end his time in Chicago, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his career. Teams hunting for depth — particularly playoff contenders — could easily take a flyer on a hardworking, versatile forward with playoff experience.

The Bigger Picture for Chicago

The Blackhawks roster decisions this fall reflect the reality of a franchise in transition. Rebuilding teams must balance the need to develop prospects with the need to remain competitive and professional. Veterans like Lafferty serve a purpose — but only if they contribute on the ice.

The message from Chicago is loud and clear: not even a multi-million-dollar deal guarantees security. As Blackhawks training camp 2025 unfolds, Lafferty’s future with the team — and perhaps in the NHL — hangs in the balance.

For fans, this storyline adds drama to an already critical season. Will the Blackhawks’ $4M forward survive waiver watch and secure his role, or will Chicago turn the page entirely in its quest to build for the future?