Holdup in Wyatt Kaiser Talks with Blackhawks Revealed

Wyatt Kaiser, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman, skates with puck

Wyatt Kaiser's entry-level deal has expired, and he remains one of the few remaining unsigned restricted free agents around the NHL. And while the Chicago Blackhawks are interested in signing the 23-year-old defenseman, we're learning what the holdup is in extension talks.

Scott Powers of The Athletic is reporting that the sides are apart on both AAV and term.

Blackhawks offer to RFA Kaiser 'isn't exactly' what they're looking for

The small salary increase the Hawks are offering from the $916,667 cap hit on his entry-level deal "isn’t exactly the bump Kaiser and his camp are looking for."

And on top of that, the young d-man is looking for a bit of long-term security, while Chicago is reportedly only offering a short, one or two-year deal.

Kaiser, after coming back up from the AHL later in the season, established himself as a solid defender, playing up and down the Chicago lineup, showing top-four potential and averaging close to 20 minutes of ice time per night. He posted five points and a +3 rating in those 22 games down the stretch.

But the Blackhawks have a host of young defensemen they're juggling, and just aren't ready to commit any significant term at this point until they see how things shake out on the budding blueline core going forward.

It's now also possible that today's PTO addition of a solid veteran defenseman could put some pressure on Kaiser to just agree to something and get himself into camp this week, as the competition on the blueline has just ramped up.

Kaiser was a third-round selection by Chicago in the 2020 NHL Draft (81st overall), and has gradually built up his contributions over the past couple of years. Last season, he finished with eight points in 57 games, a break-even rating, and over 18 minutes of ice time per game. He also blocked 93 shots.