NHL Rumor Mill – March 24, 2025
A look at possible offseason moves for the Blackhawks and Red Wings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
WILL THE BLACKHAWKS RE-SIGN DONATO & BUY OUT BERTUZZI AND BRODIE?
THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus recently reported there’s a good chance the Chicago Blackhawks will re-sign Ryan Donato. The 28-year-old two-way forward is enjoying a career-best performance with 25 goals and 53 points in 69 games.
Scott Powers subsequently reported that Donato’s had an offer on the table from the Blackhawks since the March 7 trade deadline. It’s believed to be a three-year extension worth an average annual value of $4 million. However, it doesn’t sound like contract discussions are ongoing but that could change between now and the start of free agency on July 1.
The Blackhawks want to keep Donato but don’t want to be tied to any veteran for too long. For his part, Donato is seeking stability.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato is finishing a two-year contract with an AAV of $2 million. His performance this season could draw plenty of interest in the free-agent market, though his value will be tempered by the fact that he’s never before had the kind of production he’s enjoying this season.
The Blackhawks’ offer doubles his salary and would allow him to go into free agency in three years when he would still have value on the open market, especially if he continues playing well.
Chicago Blackhawks winger Tyler Bertuzzi (NHL Images).
Lazerus also speculated about buying out winger Tyler Bertuzzi and defenseman T.J. Brodie. Both players have been disappointments this season for the Blackhawks. Bertuzzi has three years left on his contract ($5.5 million AAV) while Brodie carries an annual cap hit of $3.75 million.
Bertuzzi’s buyout would count as $3.7 million against the Blackhawks cap for 2025-26, $2.9 million for 2026-27, and $2.5 million for 2027-28, dropping to $1.22 million annually for each of the remaining three seasons. Brodie’s cap hit would be $3.2 million next season, dropping to $258K in 2026-27.
With the salary cap expected to rise significantly, the Blackhawks could afford to absorb those buyout costs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks have a projected cap space of $31.9 million for 2025-26 with 19 roster players under contract. They don’t have to worry about buying out players if they spend to the cap. They’ll have more than enough to re-sign a key player like Donato and have enough room to add to their roster in the offseason.
Nevertheless, buyouts are a possibility. Brodie seems the most likely candidate. Lazerus noted he’s been a frequent healthy scratch this season. He’s been benched for their last dozen games.
They can afford to hang onto Bertuzzi for at least another season. He’s got 19 goals and 40 points in 71 games with the Blackhawks.
WHAT COULD THE RED WINGS DO IN THE OFFSEASON?
THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman looked at what the Detroit Red Wings’ recent losing skid says about their offseason needs.
The Red Wings could use a difference-maker among their top-six scorers. Some could be available in this summer’s free-agent market. They include Toronto’s Mitch Marner, Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers, Vancouver’s Brock Boeser and Florida’s Brad Marchand. They could also go shopping for one via the trade market.
Bultman also believes the Wings need stability in goal and depth on defense. Possible UFA options include Washington’s Jakob Chychrun and Los Angeles’ Vladislav Gavrikov. He also suggested restricted free agents like Vegas’ Nicolas Hague and the New York Rangers’ K’Andre Miller.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are poised to extend their postseason drought to nine seasons, with the last six under general manager Steve Yzerman. He could start feeling the pressure to make moves to improve the roster.
This summer could be the most crucial of Yzerman’s tenure as GM. The Wings have a projected cap space of $21 million next season with 18 roster players under contract. He can draw on his prospect pool and draft picks as trade bait.
Thinking it would be cheaper for the Hawks to retain $2M on Bert and trade him for 3rd
So the Hawks signed Bertuzzi based on his last season with the Leafs, where he had 21G- 22A for 43pts and now that he’s about to have a better season (assuming he scores 4 points), they want to buy him out.
No, Lazerus is suggesting they buy him out. Bertuzzi remains a streak scorer but I think they’ll hang onto him for at least another season
You guys need someone to play with Bedard! Donato had a good year but I Don t think he s a top 6 for most teams! You have your goalie now you need to find forwards to compliment Bedard!
Hawks will get a good pick this June
Schaefer Misa Martone or Hagens
The wings need to quit signing old guys Compher Copp Petry Talbot .Appreciate you need veterans but shouldn’t that now be led by Larkin Debrincat
Totally respect that Yzerman gave Lablonde the beginning of season to sort out his plan, but that certainly put the Wings in hole for the second half. Hindsight is 20/20, should have made that change sooner. Lots to like with the prospects in the system, still too far off? Definitely need to plug in some players this off-season to win now, especially on the bottom 6 and the 3rd pairing D. Be interesting to see what McClellan can do with a whole season.
Bertuzzi is a playoff player and knows how to win those circumstances. Look to minor league career stats and when he was with Boston a few years ago — scores more in tournaments vs. regular season. Hawks need to send him somewhere his skills can best be used.
To label Bertuzzi as a “playoff player” is kind of a stretch. Yes he has 14 points in 14 postseason contests but he’s only played in FOURTEEN games. He hasn’t seen one game outside the first round. He very well may be the type of player to play better in the postseason but 14 first round games doesn’t qualify him as a “playoff player”. And I’m sure the Blackhawks aren’t too concerned about sending him somewhere they think he’ll play better. Btw his stats are right where they were last year before they offered him a 4 year deal.
To label Bertuzzi as a “playoff player” is kind of a stretch. Yes he has 14 points in 14 postseason contests but he’s only played in FOURTEEN games. He hasn’t seen one game outside the first round. He very well may be the type of player to play better in the postseason but 14 first round games doesn’t qualify him as a “playoff player”. And I’m sure the Blackhawks aren’t too concerned about sending him somewhere they think he’ll play better. Btw his stats are right where they were last year before they offered him a 4 year deal.