Although the NHL Draft is absorbing all the focus of the hockey world, there are still plenty of free agency-related reports surfacing this week. In one case, the Dallas Stars were the forefront of a headline. According to David Pagnotta, Evgenii Dadanov is the only player acquired at the deadline last season that will be remaining in Texas. It appears forward Luke Glendening and former Chicago Blackhawk Max Domi will hit the open market on July 1.
As Blackhawks fans might remember, Domi was dealt to the Stars at last year's deadline for a 2025 second-round pick and goalie Anton Khudobin. Khudobin is a pending unrestricted free agent, so the Blackhawks will likely let him walk.
Domi has been quoted about his love for playing in Chicago, his acceptance for the idea of the rebuild, and his appreciation for Luke Richardson as a coach. At the deadline, there was also some rumors that Domi and the Hawks were possibly talking extension. Although one of their one-year signings from prior year returned in Andreas Athanasiou, there is nothing saying that Domi might not join Athanasiou in a return to the Hawks.
Nothing is for certain, but term will likely be the make or break detail of a contract for the Hawks. If Domi takes three years or less, then a return is very possible. However, if he seeks something longer, he might just seal his fate in Chicago going forward.
More will likely come into focus as the NHL Draft comes to a close on Thursday, but right now plenty of Blackhawks fans are hoping for a Domi/Chicago reunion in the coming days.
More must-reads: