Wyatt Kaiser: The Blackhawks Last RFA Holdout

With suminding down, one question remains for the Chicago Blackhawks: What’s going on with Wyatt Kaiser?

The 2020 third-round pick (No. 81 overall) is the only unsigned RFA on the roster. He just finished his entry-level contract and doesn’t have arbitration rights — meaning the Hawks hold all the cards.

Last season, Kaiser played 57 games, his third in the NHL. The left-handed defenseman put up 4 goals and 4 assists while averaging just over 18 minutes per game. He’s known for his skating, his ability to carry the puck, and jump into the rush. But with other young defensemen knocking on the door in Chicago, he’s fighting to keep his spot.

 Kaiser’s Path: From Minnesota to the NHL

Born in Ham Lake, Minnesota, Kaiser played high school hockey at Andover before heading to the University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD). Over three years in college, he became a reliable two-way defenseman, producing 52 points in 104 NCAA games and earning a reputation for smooth skating, strong puck-moving, and smart defensive reads.

Kaiser joined the Blackhawks system with high hopes, and while he’s still finding consistency, the potential is there. He’s mobile, smart, and can transition the puck — exactly what NHL teams want in their modern defensemen.

Congrats to Wyatt Kaiser on his first NHL point ???? pic.twitter.com/bjqrAXlmmG

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 29, 2023

 Why the deal hasn’t happened yet

So what’s the holdup?

Kaiser doesn’t have arbitration leverage, and Chicago has a crowded blue line with young names like Vlasic, Korchinski, and others trying to climb the ladder. At the same time, it’s clear the player hasn’t done enough yet to earn a big second contract.

Contract comparisons: What is fair market value?

Let’s compare Kaiser’s case to two recent signings, using the data from CapWages.com:

• Jayden Struble (MTL): 56 games last year, third-pairing D, signed 2 years at $1.4M AAV

• Drew Helleson (ANA): Entering his second NHL season, Helleson earned a 2-year deal worth $1.1M AAV after taking on a more consistent role with the Ducks.

All three are:

• Young defensemen with 2–3 years of NHL exposure

• Playing bottom-pairing minutes on rebuilding teams

• Still trying to earn long-term trust

Kaiser fits right into that group, maybe even slightly ahead based on minutes and offensive tools.

Coach Frenchy’s Contract Forecast for Kaiser

Let’s call it like it is:

2 years, one-way deal at $1.25M AAV

✅ Fair for both sides

✅ Gives Kaiser a chance to prove himself

✅ Gives Chicago roster flexibility

There’s no reason this shouldn’t get done before the end of the month.

Final thoughts: Hawks and Kaiser need this finished

This is shaping up to be a fair deal for both sides. Kaiser wants to get it done quickly so he can focus on preparing for the upcoming season, and the Blackhawks can lock in their final contract before training camp. No need to drag this out — let’s get it signed and move forward.

What do YOU think?

➡️ Do you agree with my contract prediction?

➡️ Should the Blackhawks go longer term, or keep it short?

Let me know in the comments.