With NHL free agency just around the corner, the Chicago Blackhawks have made a quiet but meaningful statement about where the organization is headed—and who they believe is worth investing in.
On Sunday, the Blackhawks extended qualifying offers to three of their restricted free agents: defensemen Wyatt Kaiser and Louis Crevier, and goaltender Arvid Söderblom. While these decisions might appear routine, they reflect Chicago’s long-term strategy as the team continues to rebuild around its young core.
Just as significant, however, is who didn’t receive an offer—forward Philipp Kurashev, a once-promising talent who now finds himself out of Chicago’s future plans.
Who They’re Betting On
The three players receiving qualifying offers aren’t household names yet, but the organization’s belief in their development is clear.
Wyatt Kaiser, 22, has spent the past two seasons shifting between the AHL and NHL. Although not the largest defenseman at 6-foot and 175 pounds, he plays with grit and physicality that stands out. Each NHL stint has shown improvement, and he’s expected to compete seriously for a full-time spot this fall.
Louis Crevier, 24, offers a stark contrast in build. At 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds, he’s an imposing presence on the ice. Drafted in the seventh round, Crevier has steadily developed into a dependable, mobile option on the back end. His size and reliability make him a strong candidate for a depth role on the NHL roster this season.
Arvid Söderblom, 25, has rewritten his story over the past year. Originally viewed as expendable, Söderblom seized his chance when injuries gave him extended NHL time. He posted a 10-18-7 record with a .898 save percentage and 3.18 goals-against average—numbers that, while not spectacular, show real progress compared to his struggles in 2023-24. With Brossoit, Spencer Knight, and top prospect Drew Commesso in the pipeline, Söderblom still faces competition, but the team’s decision signals trust in his continued development.
Who They’re Letting Go
The biggest surprise came with the omission of Philipp Kurashev, who did not receive a qualifying offer. Once considered a key piece of the rebuild, Kurashev is now headed for unrestricted free agency.
His fall-off was sharp. After a breakout season in 2023-24 where he tallied 54 points in 75 games, expectations were high. But last season, he managed just 14 points in 51 games, prompting the Blackhawks to move on. Now 25, Kurashev has been part of the organization since 2018 and spent seven years rising through the ranks. Chicago’s message is clear—they no longer see him as part of their future.
The Bigger Picture
This group of qualifying offers may seem like minor business on the surface, but they reflect a deeper vision. The Blackhawks are investing in players who still have upside, even if they’ve flown under the radar. At the same time, they’re showing a willingness to part ways with names that no longer align with the direction of the team.
By choosing Kaiser, Crevier, and Söderblom, and moving on from Kurashev, Chicago is sending a message: the rebuild is real, the standards are rising, and roster spots will be earned—not given.
With training camp around the corner, one thing is clear. The Blackhawks have drawn a line between who’s in—and who’s out.
