Who is Wyatt Kaiser and why is his Chicago Blackhawks contract this summer's biggest question?
Wyatt Kaiser's name may not carry the headlines of Connor Bedard or Seth Jones, but to the Chicago Blackhawks, his unsigned contract has become the most compelling narrative of the offseason.
With training camp weeks away and Wyatt Kaiser remaining a restricted free agent, general manager Kyle Davidson is facing a choice that will determine the future of the team's blue line.
Wyatt Kaiser's ascension and why it's important now
In 2024–25, 23-year-old Wyatt Kaiser flew under the radar and emerged as one of Chicago's top young defensemen. He appeared in 57 games and added four goals and four assists. Experts have even argued that Wyatt Kaiser had "the best developmental season" in the company, surpassing expectations for a player picked in the third round (81st overall) in 2020.
That improvement, along with his ability to fill in the top four full-time, makes his contract more imperative than any other unsigned contract on Chicago's summer to-do list.
Why the deal isn't done yet
The Blackhawks aren't broke—they possess almost $30 million in cap space—and Wyatt Kaiser's qualifying offer is $874,125. Still, it's not merely a matter of simple numbers. Kaiser has no right of arbitration, providing Chicago with negotiating leverage, but there's always a possibility that another team would make an offer sheet.
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Is Wyatt Kaiser the ODD MAN OUT for the Blackhawks defensive core? | CHGO Blackhawks Podcast
One such possibility is a two-year "bridge deal," such as the short-term deals provided to Lukas Reichel and some other prospects. This would provide Kaiser with some space to demonstrate his ability to maintain his development while also providing Davidson with flexibility in team cap planning.
If Kaiser continues to develop beyond his 2024–25 quality, Chicago may acquire a solid, affordable defender when Bedard's core is ready to realize its potential.
If he plateaus, a short-term deal avoids an early long-term gamble.
Also read:
Calvin de Haan remains without contract as 2025-26 NHL season approaches
As the Blackhawks finish off an otherwise uneventful summer, the contract of Wyatt Kaiser is the only remaining big box that isn't marked. Whether Davidson signs a conservative bridge deal or something more lengthy, the decision will indicate how Chicago feels about one of its fastest-emerging young defensemen. For now, the Blackhawks fans will continue to refresh their feeds—holding out for the instant pen touches paper.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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