Each passing day sees an increase in the amount of offseason activity occurring across the NHL. In the case of the Chicago Blackhawks, news broke on Wednesday that the team is unlikely to tender defenseman Caleb Jones. In addition, some speculation about the addition of a Vladimir Tarasenko was also kicked around. However, the activity didn't stop after Wednesday's news. According to Scott Powers of The Athletic, the Blackhawks do not plan to qualify winger Andres Bjork ahead of free agency.
Despite the qualifying offer not being presented to the late-season addition, that doesn't mean the Blackhawks will not re-sign the former Boston Bruin and Buffalo Sabre. In fact, Powers indicates that the team very well might re-sign him, but not at the $1.8 million qualifying offer attached to his QO.
Bjork had the best per-game numbers of his career with the Blackhawks. Some of that is certainly in relation to more opportunity on a bad team, but the 26-year-old winger delivered for Chicago. In just 13 games following the trade with the Sabres, Bjork posted eight points (two goals, six assists). His production was spectacular over a short amount of time. Factor that per-game production over a full season and Bjork was on pace to be a 50-point player.
Without receiving a qualifying offer from the Hawks, Bjork will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Author's Opinion
Personally, I believe bringing back Anders Bjork on a one-year, prove yourself deal makes too much sense. The winger played incredibly well in Luke Richardson's system and provided a level of depth offense that the team was severely lacking. Do I expect him to be a 50-point player next season? No. However, there is a world where, with the right opportunity, he could be a 40+-point player in 2023-24.
It is understandable that the Hawks do not want to pay Bjork the $1.8 million on the qualifying offer. Over the course of his career, Bjork has not played more than 58 games in a single season and his offense has maxed out at 19 points. A more reasonable deal is likely in the $800K to $1 million range, and will be short in term so the 26-year-old can play for a big payday next offseason.
If I am in Kyle Davidson's shoes, I am 100% speaking with Bjork and his agent about another short-term deal. Bjork will have an opportunity to provide scoring up and down the lineup, and perhaps see time on the power play. What better place to generate value than on a team who will provide the opportunity to play higher in the lineup?
Kyle, make the call. Keep Bjork around, at least for one more season.
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