Blackhawkswincup
RIP Fugu
I dont have Athletic but here is info
2:40 p.m.: The Blackhawks did not qualify restricted free agent Slater Koekkoek, according to a source.
Koekkoek was in and out of the Blackhawks’ lineup early this past season, but he found a consistent spot after being paired with Olli Maatta in January. Maatta and Koekkoek were arguably the Blackhawks’ most effective defense pairing late in the season. The Blackhawks recently traded Maatta to the Los Angeles Kings.
By not qualifying Koekkoek, the Blackhawks have opened another defenseman spot. It’s believed they’d like to give rookie defensemen Ian Mitchell and Wyatt Kalynuk each an opportunity to make the NHL roster out of training camp.
What a stupid move
He is still young , can play both RD/LD , He was among the best Hawk players to end year and in playoffs and is perfect affordable D to have on 3rd pairing
Hawks have taken step back trading away Maatta and now letting Koek go... Our two best defenders in playoffs
Koekkoek turned his career around last year , someone is going to get a good defender here for 3rd pairing