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Chicago Blackhawks announced that a forward has refused to sign with the team
The Chicago Blackhawks will not be extending a qualifying offer to one RFA, in Reese Johnson.
Instead, they will let the depth forward walk to free agency on July 1st to find an offer on the market.
Sounds like Reese Johnson expects to head to the UFA market this summer. You'll never find a nicer, more genuine guy in an NHL locker room; he'll be missed.
Johnson was a hit in the Chicago locker room it sounds like according to the CST's Ben Pope.
Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks had originally signed Johnson to a two-year deal in 2022, which appeared to be a bridge deal. But now it appears he no longer fits into the Blackhawks long-term vision and the arbitration-eligible forward won't be a Blackhawk come July 1st.
Johnson had been plagued with a concussion which he experienced after a tilt on March 12th against the Anaheim Ducks and would be considered out for the season once April 18th rolled around.
He was absent for 16 games, and would only suit up for 42 games with the Blackhawks this season.
He would only score 5 points(2 G, 3 A) in 42 games with 109 hits, and 42 PIMs.
Johnson will be sought after as a depth forward, and his face-off skills at a winning percentage of 51.9%.
As a result of no qualifying offer being extended by Davidson and company, he will become a UFA.
Source: Hawks Insider
Key player suddenly leaves the Chicago Blackhawks to test NHL free agency
Key player suddenly leaves the Chicago Blackhawks to test NHL free agency
| POLL | ||
JUIN 23 | 126 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks announced that a forward has refused to sign with the team Should the Blackhawks extend a QO to Reese Johnson? | ||
| Yes | 46 | 36.5 % |
| No | 80 | 63.5 % |
| List of polls | ||