The Chicago Blackhawks kicked their offseason into high gear when they traded for Bowen Byram, and they’re still active as NHL free agency begins.
According to multiple reports, including from TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Blackhawks plan to make Byram the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL, working on the parameters of a six-year contract that would pay him $12.5 million per season.
While Byram told media in Chicago on Wednesday the deal isn’t quite finalized, he did say he’s looking forward to joining the Blackhawks after the team’s blockbuster trade with the Buffalo Sabres.
“It’s pretty special. They’ve showed a lot of faith in me and they’ve given up a lot and committed to me in many, many ways,” he said. “Now the ball is in my court to perform, so I’m excited for that opportunity.”
Byram appeared in 82 games last season for Buffalo as they earned their first division title in decades, and he scored 11 goals and dished out 31 assists in those games.
Elsewhere, the Blackhawks have also reportedly been active in adding some pieces to their roster as free agency has gotten underway. According to multiple reports, including from Mark Lazerus of The Athletic, the Blackhawks are signing forward Cole Smith to a three-year contract.
Smith played in 63 games last season with the Nashville Predators and Vegas Golden Knights, scoring eight goals and registering four assists. He averaged 13:17 of ice time per game, and figures to be a bottom-six forward for the Blackhawks.
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun is also reporting the Blackhawks will sign veteran defenseman Ian Cole to a one-year contract. That deal will pay Cole $4 million guaranteed, but it could rise with performance-based incentives according to the report.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion played in 82 games for the Utah Mammoth last season, with three goals and 20 assists while averaging 18:16 of ice time per game.
Finally there are reports that one former Blackhawks player will be headed elsewhere, as forward Ilya Mikheyev has signed a four-deal deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning according to his agent. LeBrun reports the deal will pay him $3.85 million per season.
In 77 games last season, Mikheyev scored 18 goals for the Blackhawks.
NHL free agency will continue throughout the coming weeks as the Blackhawks look to reconstruct their roster after once again finishing near the bottom of the NHL standings in the 2025-26 season. The team hasn’t reached the playoffs since the COVID-shortened 2020 season, and is looking to take a step forward as they negotiate new contracts with key players like Connor Bedard, whose entry-level contract expired on Wednesday.
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