Three Blackhawks under pressure as their time in Chicago's expiring

The 2025-26 season will be crucial in the evaluation of the Chicago Blackhawks rebuild. With more young players set to be in the lineup, fans and analysts are eager to see the team in action.

While they're unlikely to make the playoffs this year, some players are expected to reach another level on the ice.

The young stars like Connor Bedard, Artyom Levshunov and Spencer Knight will be interesting to watch, just like the new coaching staff in place.

But three more players are poised to be in the spotlight.

Right off the bat, it's hard to predict what will happen with the RFA Wyatt Kaiser. Following a tough season that saw him score eight points in 57 games with the Hawks and be demoted to the AHL, the 23-year-old player is yet to sign a contract for the 2025-26 season.

Reichel hasn't been able to impose himself as a top-six forward in the NHL yet, but has another season to show that he deserves a place in the team's long-term plans. Last season, the 23-year-old forward scored 22 points, including eight goals, in 70 games.

He's already been involved in a lot of trade rumors. Don't be surprised if Kyle Davidson ends up dealing him to another team at some point.

Like Reichel, Dickinson is entering the final year of his contract, valued at $4,250,000. If he doesn't perform, teams will be unwilling to give him such a high salary next summer.

Last year, the 6-foot-2 forward was limited to 16 points due to injuries. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Hawks trade him at the deadline to a contending team looking for offensive depth, but it's unlikely he will still be with Chicago at this time next year.