Blackhawks Player Grades: Wyatt Kaiser

Kaiser began the season with the team, drawing into the lineup for the team's second game of the campaign against the Winnipeg Jets. Kaiser remained with the team until mid-December, before he was sent back to the AHL. He returned in January, but once again returned to the minors before the month concluded. Finally, Kaiser returned in March and looked like the best version of himself, playing significantly more ice time as well. 

Offensively speaking, Kaiser recorded four goals (including the first of his NHL career) and four assists over 57 games. That said, all four goals and three assists came after the turn of the calendar year. Kaiser improved, and really settled in. Now, the front office has an interesting choice at hand, as the left-handed defenseman is a restricted free agent this summer. 

Kaiser's minutes took a noticeable uptick, moving from a 15- to 16-minute average to a 19- to 20-minute average later in the campaign. He was quiet in the defensive zone, suggesting confidence and a new-found approach. His draft classmate, Alex Vlasic, is certainly a developmental triumph for the organization, and there is an argument for Kaiser's name to join that list now. 

Player Grades

Steve Kwiatkowski's Grade: B+

Wyatt Kaiser made noticeable improvements following both call-ups from Rockford. While Kaiser's offensive instincts were always there, his defensive game needed work. After his second call-up, Kaiser looked confident in the defensive zone.

Tony Marchese's Grade: B+

Not many impressed me as much as Wyatt Kaiser when it comes to developmental gains. Logging 57 games on defense for a not-so-great Blackhawks team, the young defenseman ended the year averaging just over 18 minutes of ice time a night and finished the season with a 0 +/-. That isn't exactly an easy thing to do. Much like what has been written about the other defensive options in the Hawks system, it will be interesting to see where Kaiser winds up in the Hawks' plans. Already becoming a very solid defensive option, he was one of my favorite players to watch this season.

Ron Luce's Grade: B+

Wyatt Kaiser was the best example of a player developing over the course of a season. At times, he struggled early in the season. Then, the team sent him down, let him work on things in Rockford, and he came back a changed defenseman. Toward the end of the season, Kaiser was playing so well that it presents an interesting conversation for the front office. He's the team's most important restricted free agent (even more than Arvid Soderblom), so we will have to see what happens. But a B+ grade suggests a new deal for the coming few seasons.

What's On Tap Next?

After such a strong season from a developmental standpoint, the Blackhawks need to make a decision on Kaiser's future with the organization. His play suggests he'll likely stick around, but he needs a new deal as a restricted free agent this summer. Ideally, Kyle Davidson signs him to a new contract soon and he continues to play strong defense on the team's second or third pairing moving forward. 

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Wyatt Kaiser? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!