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Blackhawks to part ways with former 54-point forward in NHL free agency
Photo credit: CHGO Sports
The Chicago Blackhawks will have to decide what to do with forward Philipp Kurashev, who will become an RFA at the end of the season.
However, in the greater scheme of things, the Blackhawks' GM Kyle Davidson could decide to exercise his right to let Kurashev walk.
Essentially, this would make the former 50+ point forward a UFA come July.
After a breakout season in 2023-2024 on the same line as Connor Bedard, he's been unable to produce at the same clip this year.
In 31 games this season, he's only been able to score 5 points ( 2 G, 3 A ) and hasn't shown the brilliance we saw last year.
According to NHL.Feeds, Kyle Davidson could let him explore free agency in 2025 as they will refuse to extend him a $2.25 million qualifying offer.
Is he due for a fresh start? Could the Blackhawks even attempt to get any value out of the former 4th-round draft pick?
The Blackhawks have only been able to tap into his potential once during his career with the team.
Chicago would rather play a veteran like Pat Maroon or Craig Smith on the fourth line because one or both of them could be dealt at the trade deadline for an asset.
According to The Hockey News' Rob Couch, Kurashev's trade value has tanked with his latest performance this season.
With the Blackhawks relegating him to the press box and giving Pat Maroon and Craig Smith more ice time it's clear that the team's patience has worn thin.
Recently, Kurashev has sat in the press box more often than not. He is point-less in his last 11 games, and when he has played over the last month, he averaged less than 13:30 of ice time per game.
It'll be tough to see someone with more potential than initially expected leave the team. But with the business of hockey, new blood trickles in, and other prospects and players filter out along the way.
Maybe Kurashev will benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 16 | 282 ANSWERS Blackhawks to part ways with former 54-point forward in NHL free agency Should GM Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks extend a qualifying offer to forward Philipp Kurashev? | ||
| Yes | 118 | 41.8 % |
| No | 164 | 58.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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