Through the first seven games of the 2025-26 season, Kaiser has been one of the most consistent players in Jeff Blashill’s lineup.
He’s averaging just under 20 minutes per game (19:56) — that’s 1:49 more than last season — and he sits at +6 while quietly stabilizing a young blue line that’s still learning how to win in the NHL.
A Third-Round Pick With a Veteran Mindset
Kaiser wasn’t a top pick. He was selected 81st overall in 2020, a year when Chicago focused more on depth than flash.
Back then, few fans expected him to become a key NHL defenceman — but the kid from Andover, Minnesota, had other plans.
He spent three solid seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he built a reputation for being one of the smartest and smoothest skaters in college hockey.
Not flashy, not loud — just efficient, calm, and confident.
That’s the same version of Wyatt Kaiser you see today in Chicago: poised, composed, and always making the right play at the right time.
Growing Into a Reliable NHLer
Fast-forward to this season — Kaiser has now played 105 NHL games, but he carries himself like a veteran with 500.
Last season, he posted 8 points (4 G, 4 A) in 57 games, averaging 18:07 of ice time.
This year, the numbers might look modest — 2 assists in seven games — but if you watch him shift by shift, you see a different player.
He’s faster in transition, more decisive with the puck, and stronger in board battles.
He’s earned Blashill’s trust to play against top lines, start penalty kills, and close out games when Chicago protects a lead.
You don’t get those minutes unless your coach believes in you — and clearly, Jeff Blashill does.
What the Numbers Say
Here’s how Kaiser’s season looks so far — and how his underlying analytics compare to last year:
| Category | 2024-25 | 2025-26 (so far) | Trend / Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 57 | 7 | 105 total career |
| Points | 8 (4 G, 4 A) | 2 A | Modest but steady |
| Average TOI | 18:07 | 19:56 | ▲ +1:49 — more trust |
| Plus/Minus | –3 | +6 | Big improvement |
| CF% (Corsi For) | 48.1 % | 50.74 % | Controls more play |
| GF% (Goals For) | 46 % | 77.78 % | Huge jump — impact shifts |
| xGF% (Expected Goals) | 50 % | 54.22 % | Better quality chances |
| OISH% (On-Ice Shooting %) | 7.12 % | 14.29 % | Doubled — better finishing |
| OISV% (On-Ice Save %) | 92.0 % | 96.08 % | Team performs better with him |
| PK TOI / G | 1:58 | 2:14 | Heavier defensive role |
These numbers tell you everything: when Kaiser’s on the ice, the Hawks play with more structure, more control, and more composure.
His gap control is elite, he rarely gets caught flat-footed, and every breakout looks clean.
There’s no panic in his game — just calm execution.
The Under-Rated Piece in a Rebuild
Let’s be honest — everyone talks about Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, or Artyom Levshunov when it comes to Chicago’s future.
Those guys get the spotlight.
But every rebuild needs players like Wyatt Kaiser — the glue guy who makes everyone else’s job easier without needing the spotlight.
He plays heavy minutes, takes tough matchups, and does it all with quiet confidence.
He’s not chasing glory — he’s building trust.
And that’s exactly what the Hawks need on their blue line.
Calm, Poised, and Reliable
If you watch Chicago closely, you can see why Kaiser stands out — not because of his points, but because of his composure.
Even when things get messy, he looks like he’s been there before.
He’s the kind of defenceman every coach wants in a rebuild:
- Not afraid of big minutes
- Communicates well with his partner
- Rarely repeats the same mistake
- Always plays within the system
That’s why Blashill trusts him late in games. It’s not about age — it’s about dependability.
The Numbers Behind His Impact
Digging deeper into the analytics:
- Controlled Zone Exits: 62 % (Top 3 among Chicago D)
- Defensive Zone Denials: 57 %
- Giveaways per 60: Lowest among regular defencemen
- Shots Against per 60 (5v5): Second-best on the team
Those numbers don’t scream superstar, but they shout reliable.
For a young D-core trying to find stability, that’s pure gold.
Why Fans Should Notice Him
Blackhawks fans love the grinders, the heart-and-soul types.
Kaiser fits that mold perfectly — no drama, no excuses, just work.
He’s only 23, but he plays like a 10-year vet.
You can feel his confidence growing each game, and it rubs off on everyone around him.
He’s not trying to be the next Duncan Keith — he’s trying to be the first Wyatt Kaiser.
And that’s what makes him so fun to watch.
Final Take — The Obscure Pillar
Wyatt Kaiser might not be the loudest or the flashiest player in the Blackhawks lineup, but right now, he’s one of the most valuable.
He’s that rare kind of player who lets his play speak for itself.
When you look at these first seven games — the calm, the confidence, the control — one thing is clear:
This kid has arrived.
Thanks for the article Coach. Another good write up. It’s nice to see lower round picks make an impact at the NHL level. Let’s hope some of the several 3rd and 4th round picks in the system will be able to contribute down the road.
Another point about Kaiser is his mentoring of Levshunov. Those two seem to have hit it off both on and off the ice. I think it’s a sign of good leadership by Kaiser stepping up and and taking an active role in helping Lev along.
Thanks a lot for reading and for your great comment! I really appreciate your kind words. You’re absolutely right about Kaiser’s leadership with Levshunov — that mentorship has been valuable, especially early in the season. With the Hawks rotating seven defensemen, the pairings have shifted quite a bit, but Kaiser’s experience and calm presence are clearly helping Artyom adjust to the NHL pace. Great observation on your part!
It’s nice to see the numbers match what i see on the ice, the only player i don’t see that with is Bedard, but i guess that’s what happens when Bedard creates better scoring chances than his opponent even if they are under water.
Thanks again Frenchy i hope he continues to play this way throughout the season.
Thanks for your comment, my friend — really appreciate it! You’re right, it’s great when the numbers back up what we see on the ice. And yeah, Bedard is a special case — even when the metrics dip, he still creates more quality chances than anyone else out there.
I am a huge fan of Kaiser. He is steady and we need that. Along with Rinzel, Vlasic, Grzelck, Murphy, and Levshunov, we have a good blue line. Plus, there are several more defensemen to come. Once the verterans are jettisoned, we have a very bright future on the backline. Just my opinion, but I think Lev needs to go back to Rochford. He needs to learn how to be a threat to the forwards on the other team. Is there any news on Lafferty?