Today’s episode begins with a discussion on the Chicago Blackhawks staying relatively quiet through the opening two days of free agency, as GM Kyle Davidson elected NOT to add a top-six forward. Host Jack Bushman shares his thoughts on the decision, while also breaking down Sam Lafferty’s return and Dominic Toninato signing a two-year, two-way contract. The episode concludes with updates on RFA’s Wyatt Kaiser, Arvid Soderblom, Louis Crevier, and Philipp Kurashev. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
Blackhawks Disappointing Free Agency (1:05)
Lafferty & Toninato (11:05)
RFA Updates (18:45)
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15 Comments
QUESTION OF THE DAY — Where Is YOUR Frustration Level With GMKD After A Quiet Free Agency For The Blackhawks?
Not frustrated at all. Need to let the young guys play and develop this year and make sure we have a shot in the lottery for Gavin McKenna
I hardly see how signing a top 6 forward holds the rebuild back.
Cmon man, what top 6 forward were they realistically gonna acquire? Once the dust settled it was clear all the big names had their hearts set on playoff teams. The raised cap made it more possible.
I hope nazer and moore rinzel have great seasons 🙏🙏💪💪
Not frustrated at all. Most guys worth reaching for stayed put. Mitch was going to Vegas period. The rest of the guys on the market in my opinion were overpaid bottom guys. You can't say "let the young guys play" then pull in a bunch of expensive vets to get in the way of that. I want another dynasty and I waited a long time for the last one. I'm an old head Hawks fan I am patient and trusting the process. It was great to hear Conner is working on his own to increase his speed and strength this off season. When you hear the GM speak you can tell he 100% knows how he wants to build this team out. It's disappointing to see some Hawks media pushing the negative narrative since the draft.
Some buzz about Ricard Rakell coming over from the Pens for Riechel EDM and a 27 2nd
Come on Kyle, there are plenty of forwards that are willing to the young guys to play competing hockey. We need to relevant at all times. We need to teach the youngsters how to play winning hockey.
Stop whining.
Yall wanna be good right away and then complain when they come up short…sit down and be patient we are not gonna get throw future teams like Sharks, Ducks, Montreal without building the right team! This upcoming draft is crucial and hawks should trade floridas pick, reichel, and maybe a second rounder for another lottery pick this draft is deep and we can find another superstar for Bedard just be patient and let the kids grow together no need to rush and lose the cup like Edmonton every year
Young guys can’t just get accustomed to losing all the time. Bedard clearly hates it, and he should be the number 1 priority. Maybe they’ll be better than last year, it’s a low bar. But we’ve got High picks a couple years out. If you’re cool being in the cellar for a couple more years, ok. But man, it’s getting old
MY Frustration Level With GMKD is Very Low. He Is Being Smart.
No Mr. Davidson, the worst general manager in the NHL one of the Hawks gonna hire a real GM a player that played the game not a video photographer
I know Im in the minority. I just dont see how getting your brains beat in night after night teaches anything but a losing mentality. (Recall, the Hawks missed their goal last year by over 20 points). If anything, they will be worse as other teams like Anaheim and San Jose get better. Not to mention 3 different systems in just over a season. The club is going to need upgrades even if some of their picks hit, there is little reason not to find upgrades, even nominal, instead of giving up another season without tangible progress. Just dont see them getting to 60 points again. I hope this is KFC's last GM season
Can’t say I blame the Hawks for the hard pass they gave that steaming pile aka the 2025 NHL FA class.