Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Blackhawks penalty kill unit finish ranked last season?
The Blackhawks penalty killing unit finished second-best in the NHL last season with an 83.6% success rate.
Why did the Blackhawks lose Ilya Mikheyev in free agency?
Mikheyev became an unrestricted free agent and quickly signed a four-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, ending any chance of a return to Chicago.
How much did the Blackhawks sign Cole Smith for?
Cole Smith signed a three-year, $9 million deal with the Blackhawks, carrying a $3 million average annual value.
Who is Ian Cole and why did the Blackhawks sign him?
Ian Cole is a 37-year-old defenseman signed as a depth piece to bolster the penalty kill unit, where he profiles as a reliable wall and shot-blocker. He posted 23 assists and a plus-16 rating with the Mammoth last season while averaging over 18 minutes per game.
Which key penalty killers did the Blackhawks lose heading into the 2025-26 season?
Chicago lost Ilya Mikheyev, Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, and Louis Crevier — all strong penalty killers — with Crevier dealt to the Sabres in the Bowen Byram trade and the others departing as free agents.
Isaac Nielsen
Isaac Nielsen is a University of Nebraska–Omaha graduate with a degree in Journalism & Media Communication and four years of experience in sports journalism. He has spent the past two years as the Lead Blackhawks Writer at Sports Mockery, covering the team’s rebuild and focusing on roster construction, and has also reported on the Bears, Colts, Omaha Athletics, and Nebraska football.
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