Blackhawks Forward Finished In Chicago

The rebuild in Chicago is in full force. On the first day of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, the Blackhawks traded Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach. Now, it's been reported by Bob McKenzie that they also will not be sending a qualifying offer to Dylan Strome. This will make the 2015 first-round pick a UFA. 

In CHI-related news, not overly surprising, but it doesn’t sound as if the Hawks will be qualifying centre Dylan Strome. Expectation is he will be going to UFA on July 13. July 11 is deadline to issue Qualifying Offer but no reason to believe that will happen here. #outsider https://t.co/wIIbOd82Qd

— Bobby Margarita (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 7, 2022

Strome has been in the rumor mill since last offseason, but the Blackhawks were never able to find him a new home. This remained true even after he recorded 48 points in 69 games for Chicago last season. There simply must not be a market for the 25-year-old. Things can change before free agency officially begins, but if we don't see Strome traded before then, he will be able to test the market.

Another potential top-six center is now among this year's free agency class. Expect plenty of teams to go after him. Some early predictions include the Kraken, Senators, Bruins, and Hurricanes. 

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