3 Blackhawks players who likely won't be back next season

The Chicago Blackhawks were once again one of the NHL’s worst teams in 2025-26. With this in mind, it would not be surprising if the Blackhawks look to make some roster changes during the summer.

The Blackhawks had far too many players who weren’t at the level of an NHL Stanley Cup playoff team. If they hope to build a contending team around Connor Bedard, Artyom Levshunov, and Anton Frondell, they need to begin moving on from underperforming players. 

Because of this, let’s take a look at three Blackhawks who likely won’t be back for the 2026-27 season.

Sam Lafferty, RW 

Sam Lafferty spent most of this season as a healthy scratch for the Blackhawks, appearing in just 29 games. He also had only one goal and one assist on the year. With this, the 31-year-old forward’s second stint in Chicago was very underwhelming.

It would be surprising if Laffery is back with the Blackhawks next season. He is simply no longer a fit on the Blackhawks’ roster, and they will likely let him walk straight into free agency because of it. 

MORE: 3 NHL wingers the Blackhawks should target for Connor Bedard

Matt Grzelcyk, D

Matt Grzelcyk served well as a veteran defenseman for the Blackhawks this season. He was a good mentor for the team’s younger defenseman. However, with the Blackhawks’ blueline being crowded, it would not be surprising if they let the Massachusetts native hit the free-agent market this summer.

Grzelcyk recorded zero goals, 12 assists, and a minus-9 rating in 69 games this season with the Blackhawks. This is after he scored one goal and set career highs with 39 assists and 40 points in 82 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2024-25. 

MORE: What Blackhawks Top-Six Could Look Like With Roman Kantserov Inserted

Andre Burakovsky, LW 

Andre Burakovsky is a prime buyout candidate to watch for the Blackhawks this off-season. The 31-year-old winger will be in the final year of his contract in 2026-27, where he has a $5.5 million cap hit.

Given the Blackhawks’ cap space, it would be understandable if they decided to part ways with Burakovsky this summer. This is especially true given that he had an ugly finish to the season, posting just three goals and eight assists in his final 45 games. 

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