While most of the Vegas Golden Knights roster is either still drunk or still figuring out how to navigate a set of stairs, the rest of the NHL has turned its attention to the offseason that has now officially arrived.
That brings a series of dates which will come fast and furious over the next few weeks, one of which has already passed. Here’s the rundown of what’s on the schedule for the next few weeks and how it factors into Chicago’s offseason plans:
Already here: Arrival of first buyout window
This period was scheduled to start on June 15 or 48 hours after the end of the Stanley Cup Final. Either way, it’s now open. The name to watch here with the Blackhawks is defenseman Nikita Zaitsev, as his name has been floated as a buyout candidate for the Blackhawks. As recently as Saturday morning, though, Scott Powers of The Athletic suggested no such buyouts were on the way:
I don't get the sense the Blackhawks are going to buy out anyone just as the window opens. That could change if any trades occur in the coming weeks and their NHL roster is altered, but I don't believe anything is imminent. https://t.co/4cr60xhLoT
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) June 16, 2023
Monday, June 26: NHL Awards Show
This won’t involve the Blackhawks much for obvious reasons. It’s in Nashville and Dierks Bentley is hosting. It’s impossible to hear that first name in any way other than the way that Wayne from Letterkenny says it:
Goaltender Alex Stalock is a finalist for the Masterton Trophy, which would be a nice recognition of everything he’s endured over the last few seasons.
Wednesday, June 28: Round 1 of the 2023 NHL Draft (6 p.m. CT, ESPN)
The NHL has not yet dubbed this “Connor Bedard Day” but it seems like a possibility still.
Thursday, June 29: Rounds 2-7 of the 2023 NHL Draft (10 a.m. CT, NHL Network)
It’s a little weird that the NHL is having the final six rounds of its draft on a weekday morning/afternoon, isn’t it?
Here’s the full list of Blackhawks draft picks for the 2023 draft:
Round 1, pick 1
Round 1, pick 19 (from TB via trade)
Round 2, pick 35
Round 2, pick 44 (from OTT via trade)
Round 2, pick 51 (from TB via trade)
Round 2, pick 55 (from NYR via trade)
Round 3, pick 67
Round 3, pick 93 (from DAL via trade with ARI)
Round 4, pick 99
Round 5, pick 131
Round 7, pick 195
Friday, June 30: Buyout period ends, qualifying offer deadline
The latter of the two items on this day is the more relevant one to the Blackhawks. Current restricted free agents on the team include: forwards Anders Bjork, Philipp Kurashev, Joey Anderson and Austin Wagner along with defensemen Caleb Jones, Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula. Without qualifying offers (or new contracts) by this date, the players will become unrestricted free agents.
Dave Melton
L_B_R
Saturday, July 1: Free agency opens
According to CapFriendly, the Blackhawks have just over $37.5 million in cap space available for the 2023-24 NHL season. They will have to spend some of that just to hit the salary cap floor. They will probably not spend enough to get anywhere near the ceiling.