Chicago Blackhawks Sign Connor Mackey in Free Agency

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Chicago Blackhawks Sign Connor Mackey in Free Agency

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net
By The Blackhawks Cowboy | Last updated Jul 1, 2026 7:52 PM ET

On the first day of the new NHL season, the Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman Connor Mackey to a two-year, two-way contract. Mackey will spend time with the IceHogs

What it Means: Chicago

On a relatively quiet opening day of Free Agency for Kyle Davidson and company, the move of Connor Mackey is a depth move. With players like Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro moving up to the Blackhawks next season, Rockford needed some depth.

Enter Connor Mackey and Dylan Anhorn. Mackey is a career AHLer who recently served as the Alternate Captain for the Hartford Wolf Pack. As a member of the Rangers affiliate, he had 18 points in 62 games for Hartford. In the 2025-26 season, Mackey suited up for three games with the Rangers.

What It Means: Connor Mackey

After spending many successful years in the AHL across the continent, Mackey gets a taste of home. Growing up just under an hour away from 1901 W. Madison, the move was a homecoming for Mackey. Now, Connor will look to bring the skills that earned him an All-Star nod back in 2021 and the leadership that saw him join the leadership group of Hartford. With a plethora of talent leaving the Ice Hogs for the Blackhawks, Mackey will fill a spot near the top of the lineup. He will also likely be the number one option in times of need.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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