Analyzing the Fit: Defenseman Mario Ferraro

Mario Ferraro was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft, ironically hosted in Chicago. After completing his collegiate career with the University of Massachusetts, Ferraro joined the San Jose Sharks in 2019-20 and immediately contributed. Ferraro has skated in at least 56 games (including the shortened COVID season) in every season since he debuted. Since 2022-23, Ferraro has skated in at least 72 games in each season.

Ferraro’s availability has been great, but he takes it a step further. Ferraro averages over 20 minutes of ice time for his career, posting an average time on ice of 21:02 in 2025-26. For an improved Sharks team, Ferraro also added seven goals and 16 assists (23 points), a new career high for the left-handed defenseman.

After his first three seasons, Ferraro inked a four-year, $13 million contract to remain in San Jose. Now, with that deal coming to an end, the 27-year-old is looking for an increase. Currently, there are reports that suggest the Sharks and Ferraro’s camp are not close on potential terms and he will hit unrestricted free agency.

The Fit

Ferraro might not seem like a sexy name, but could be exactly what the Blackhawks are looking for. He does not cost anything in the organization to acquire, besides money, and his age fits into the Blackhawks’ timeline.

According to the website CapWages, Ferraro’s average annual value (AAV) is projected to be about $5.1 million on his next deal. However, a $6 million or $6.5 million AAV deal wouldn’t be crazy, especially if it is for four or five years.

Ferraro brings a lot to the table for the Hawks. For starters, the left side receives an upgrade to compliment Wyatt Kaiser and Alex Vlasic. In addition, Ferraro is already a workhorse, routinely posting game times above 22 minutes per night. The Blackhawks have not had that type of player since Seth Jones was traded. Ferraro could bring that to the table.

He’s a below average puck mover, despite his offensive numbers. That said, the Blackhawks don’t have a lot of “defense-first” blue liners, and Ferraro checks that box. In addition, he would compliment the young offensive defensemen the Hawks already have such as Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel. This could be a better fit than fans realize.

There has been so much focus on improving the forward group, that the blue line has largely been overlooked. However, there is a world where Kyle Davidson is more concerned about improving the blue line than the forward group.

The Verdict

Frankly, the Blackhawks should be one of the first teams to call Ferraro if he hits the open market. There will be plenty of other teams with interest, and it might cost the Hawks a bit more than expected. However, Ferraro brings a skillset to Chicago that the Hawks simply do not have a lot of, making him a compliment to the current structure on the blue line.

July 1 feels far away, but the Blackhawks should be ready to discuss a possible contract with Ferraro.