Chicago Blackhawks
· 2026-07-07
Chicago Blackhawks have officially re‑signed restricted free‑agent goaltender Drew Commesso to a two‑year contract worth $875,000 against the salary cap, solidifying their net‑minding depth while the team sits 15th in the Western Conference with a 29‑39 record and a one‑game winning streak.
The two‑year extension, announced Monday afternoon, gives the Blackhawks a reliable backup behind starter Alex Stalock and keeps a young, puck‑handling net‑minder in the system. Commesso, 24, posted a .910 save percentage last season and recorded three shutouts, showing he can handle pressure in high‑stakes situations. The contract also includes a clause that could trigger a modest raise for the 2027‑28 season, providing flexibility if the club decides to promote him to a larger role.
While the Commesso signing was the headline, the Blackhawks still have no update on Connor Bedard’s lingering injury after his awkward fall into the boards earlier this week. Elliotte Friedman noted on his "32 Thoughts" podcast that the forward’s status remains uncertain, and the lack of clarity could affect Chicago’s offensive planning. Bedard’s contract situation also looms; as a restricted free agent, he could receive an offer sheet after Leo Carlsson’s recent deal reshaped the market for young talent.
Friedman relayed a rumor that a rival club—likely the San Jose Sharks—offered defenseman Bowen Byram a four‑year, $14 million cap hit, even proposing two first‑round picks in the 2026 draft. The Blackhawks appear content to meet Byram’s value, signaling they intend to keep the former Colorado defenseman as a cornerstone of their blue‑line. If the Sharks are indeed the source, the offer underscores how Chicago’s young core is attracting league‑wide attention.
The club unveiled its 2026 preseason slate, featuring two games each against the St. Louis Blues and the Minnesota Wild. With the NHL expanding to an 84‑game regular season, Chicago will only play four preseason contests this year. Their next regular‑season test arrives on September 20, 2026, when they face the Minnesota Wild on the road, a matchup that could offer early insight into how the new contracts and injury updates shape the team’s performance.
Across the league, Sportsnet released a fresh trade board highlighting players like Jason Robertson and Dylan Larkin as potential movers. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames locked up defenseman Simon Nemec to a five‑year, $7.25 million deal, and the San Jose Sharks are pushing for an extension with forward Macklin Celebrini before he becomes an RFA. These moves illustrate a market in flux, where Chicago must balance retaining its own talent with the risk of losing key pieces to aggressive suitors.
Securing Commesso and likely keeping Byram provide stability on defense and in goal, but the unresolved Bedard situation adds uncertainty. If Bedard receives an offer sheet, Chicago could be forced into a costly counter‑offer or risk losing their franchise player. The upcoming preseason and the early‑season clash with Minnesota will be the first real test of how these roster decisions play out on the ice.