The Chicago Blackhawks avoided opening training camp with a major question mark on their blue line by signing defenseman Wyatt Kaiser to a two-year contract worth $1.7 million AAV.
The 23-year-old was the final RFA waiting for a deal, and with camp opening Thursday morning, the timing couldn’t have been tighter.
For Kaiser, this is an important step in his development. Last season, he gained valuable NHL experience, appearing in 57 games and posting 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists).
He also blocked 93 shots and delivered 54 hits, showing steady progress in his defensive game.
Why This Deal Makes Sense
This contract is a classic “bridge” — affordable for the team, while giving Kaiser the opportunity to prove he can be more than just a depth piece.
At $1.7M, he won’t weigh down Chicago’s cap structure, and for Kaiser, it’s a chance to secure bigger money down the road if he can solidify himself as a top-four defenseman.
Kyle Davidson has made a point of rewarding young players who take strides, and this move fits the pattern. It shows faith in Kaiser’s upside while still protecting the team’s flexibility.
What Kaiser Brings
Kaiser’s game is built on strong skating and clean puck movement. He makes a good first pass, can read the play in transition, and isn’t afraid to jump into the rush.
NHL Edge data shows his offensive instincts — he gets himself into good spots and helps generate offense from the back end.
But there are still limitations. His shot lacks the heavy power you want from a point shooter, and while he scored four goals last season, he isn’t a major threat from long range.
At this point, he projects more as a solid transition defenseman than an offensive weapon.
The Battle Ahead
Nothing will be handed to Kaiser. Chicago’s blue line is crowded with youth and potential: Artyom Levshunov, Kevin Korchinski, Sam Rinzel, Ethan Del Mastro, Louis Crevier, Nolan Allan — all fighting for spots.
Add in veterans Alex Vlasic, Connor Murphy, and PTO invitee Matt Grzelcyk, and suddenly every shift in camp will matter.
Kaiser has shown he can be a reliable third-pairing option, and in stretches, he’s looked like he can handle second-pair minutes.
But with so many young defensemen arriving, the long-term picture is uncertain. If others push ahead, Kaiser could eventually be the odd man out.
Chicago’s Salary Cap Situation
Beyond the blue line battle, the Blackhawks are also working the numbers. According to capwages.com, the team will start the year by keeping Laurent Brossoit and Shea Weber on the roster to remain above the salary-cap floor.
That would give Chicago 12 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 3 goalies to open the season.
Once the puck drops, Brossoit can be placed on LTIR, allowing the Hawks to call up another forward.
That would leave them with 13 forwards, 8 defensemen (including Weber’s LTIR contract), and 2 active goalies.
The cap figure before LTIR sits at $77,762,976; once Brossoit is placed on LTIR, the team’s effective cap hit would be around $74,462,976, roughly $4.46 million over the floor.
Final Thoughts
This deal is exactly what the Blackhawks needed — affordable, smart, and flexible. For Kaiser, it’s a platform. For Davidson, it’s another steady step in building out Chicago’s defense.
At short term, Kaiser is a transition defenseman — clean on exits, quick in transition, and improving every year. Long term, his future depends on how fast Chicago’s wave of top prospects develops.
For now, it’s a win-win deal — and another good move by Kyle Davidson.
Home › Forums › Blackhawks Lock Up Kaiser On Two-Year Deal