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Blackhawks sign Wyatt Kaiser to 2-year contract extension

Just in time for training camp, Kaiser signed an extension with the Blackhawks.

Posted on by L_B_R
Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

The Chicago Blackhawks announced late Wednesday night that they had signed their final restricted free agent, defenseman Wyatt Kaiser, to a two-year contract extension that will carry a $1.7 million annual cap hit.

Before making the jump to the NHL, Kaiser developed his game at the collegiate level with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he played three seasons and earned a reputation as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman with strong defensive instincts. He was drafted by the Blackhawks in the third round (81st overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft after his freshman season, so he played an additional two years in the NCAA before signing with the Blackhawks in March 2023.

Kaiser’s first full pro season was split between Chicago and Rockford, giving the young defenseman a mix of NHL exposure and developmental reps in the AHL. He appeared in 32 games and recorded 7 assists with the Blackhawks and skated in 37 regular-season games for the IceHogs and posted 18 points (4 G, 14 A). Kaiser added two assists in four playoffs games in the AHL as well. Those numbers underline how Kaiser’s first full pro campaign saw more of his offense surface in the AHL while his NHL role remained more limited and defensively focused.

This past season, Kaiser also spent time at both levels, though there was larger time spent in the NHL as his development progressed. He started the season in Chicago and, like the Blackhawks in general, the early months were a mixed bag overall. After being sent to Rockford for a longer stint in January, Kaiser gained valuable ice time and his game really smoothed out, even adding three assists over 17 games total. When he returned to the Blackhawks lineup in March, he was like a different, more confident player. He finished the NHL season with eight points (4 G, 4 A) in 57 games while showing steady growth on the blue line.

For a deeper look into the Kaiser’s 2024-25 season, please see the article below:

Exploring Wyatt Kaiser’s strong finish to the 2024-25 season

This extension shows that the Blackhawks believe in Kaiser’s potential while also protecting themselves from overcommitting. For Kaiser, it’s a step forward in establishing himself as more than just a fringe or depth player — it’s a chance to build on momentum and earn a more permanent, larger role. For the Blackhawks, it gives the organization time and flexibility with a player who is still developing. The next two seasons will be pivotal in shaping his future and, while Kaiser has shown hints at the potential to be a reliable second-pair defenseman, sustaining last year’s late-season momentum will be key for him going forward.

Chart from Jay L. @nhlchart

Kaiser’s new deal fits neatly into Chicago’s broader rebuild: with a wave of young defensemen working their way up the system, it ensures he remains part of that competition but also gives Chicago the flexibility to shuffle pairings and see who rises. In the short term, Kaiser provides depth and versatility. In the long term, whether he establishes himself as a steady second-pair presence or remains more of a depth option will determine how he fits alongside the Blackhawks’s other developing blueliners.

It’s a great compromising, “show-me” bridge type of deal that benefits both the team and player.

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