CHICAGO, IL — With NHL training camps just weeks away, the Chicago Blackhawks still have some unfinished business — most notably, signing restricted free agent defenceman Wyatt Kaiser, who remains without a contract heading into the latter part of the offseason.
The 23-year-old blueliner wrapped up his entry-level deal this summer and, despite steady progress and a promising 2024–25 campaign, he has yet to come to terms on a new contract with the team.
Positive Signs, But No Deal Yet
According to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, discussions between the Blackhawks and Kaiser’s camp are ongoing, and while no agreement is in place, there is optimism that a deal will be reached soon.
Some fans had hoped the deal might be finalized by Kaiser’s birthday on July 31, but that deadline quietly passed without any announcement. Even so, all signs point to progress behind the scenes, as both the team and player seem interested in continuing the partnership.
A Key Piece in Chicago’s Rebuild
Kaiser’s development has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a challenging rebuild for the Blackhawks. In the 2024–25 season, he saw his most consistent NHL action yet, appearing in 57 games and tallying four goals. His growing responsibilities on the ice suggest he is quickly becoming a cornerstone on the blue line for Chicago.
The Minnesota native has shown poise and maturity beyond his years, qualities that have reportedly impressed the Blackhawks’ front office as they look to strengthen their defensive core for the future.
What the Contract Might Look Like
While official figures have yet to be confirmed, early projections suggest Kaiser may sign a three-year contract worth approximately $2.5 million per season — a typical “bridge deal” for young players coming off their first NHL contract.
Bridge deals offer teams cost control while allowing players to prove themselves and potentially earn a more lucrative extension down the road. With the NHL salary cap expected to rise in the coming years, many younger RFAs are opting for shorter-term contracts in hopes of maximizing their value later.
Cap Space and Timing
The Blackhawks are under no immediate salary cap pressure and have already re-signed another RFA — goaltender Arvid Soderblom — earlier in the offseason. Kaiser’s deal would likely be the final major contract negotiation before the team heads into training camp in September.
Given his performance and projected growth, there’s little doubt the Blackhawks want him in the fold long-term — but both sides are clearly taking their time to arrive at a fair deal.
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What’s Next
With the countdown to training camp underway, the pressure is mounting slightly, but not urgently. Both the team and Kaiser appear committed to finding common ground. If the projected numbers hold true, the Blackhawks could secure one of their rising stars on a team-friendly contract — a smart move as the franchise looks to exit its rebuild phase and move back toward contention.
As of now, the deal remains unsigned — but momentum appears to be building toward a resolution in the coming weeks.
