NHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest Blackhawks And Red Wings Speculation

The Chicago Blackhawks recently signed GM Kyle Davidson to a contract extension.

Armed with that vote of confidence from the club's ownership, Davidson will set his sights on improving his roster.

Under Davidson, the Blackhawks are rebuilding their roster with younger talent, augmented by veteran additions, with Connor Bedard as the foundation piece.

He's coming off his entry-level contract, and getting the 20-year-old center re-signed to a long-term extension will be Davidson's priority.

5 Most Important Tasks For Blackhawks Front Office This Off-Season

The Chicago Blackhawks have a very important off-season ahead. They have a few tasks that must be performed.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings are dealing with another painful late-season collapse that cost them a chance to end a playoff drought that has reached a decade.

Max Bultman of The Athletic believes addressing their long-term need for a first-line center is a priority. Captain Dylan Larkin turns 30 this summer, and they have no reliable second-line center.

Bultman felt the Red Wings needed a top-line left wing after using rookie Emmitt Finnie in that role for most of this season. They should also look at building up their depth among their bottom-six forwards.

The Red Wings have several players eligible to become UFAs this summer. They include wingers Patrick Kane, David Perron and James van Riemsdyk, defenseman Travis Hamonic, and goaltender Cam Talbot.

Of those five, Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now believes Kane is the only one likely to be brought back.

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM.