With training camp almost here, the Chicago Blackhawks should be taking a hard look at Eeli Tolvanen. He remains one of the more notable UFAs still available, and after a career-best 23-goal season, he looks like the kind of low-risk forward the Blackhawks can still add before camp starts.
The case for Tolvanen is straightforward. He has shown he can score, he brings physical value, and his recent production with the Seattle Kraken suggests there is still real usefulness in his game. For a Blackhawks team that has already made multiple offseason additions, the argument is not about replacing a major piece. It is about taking one more sensible swing on a player who could help deepen the forward group.
Why Tolvanen still stands out
Tolvanen’s recent numbers are solid enough to keep him in the conversation. During the 2023-24 season, he scored 16 goals and had a career-high 41 points in 81 games for the Seattle Kraken. The following year he pushed that further, posting a career-best 23 goals, 35 points and 237 hits in 81 games.
Last season was a quieter one, but it still showed a player who can contribute in a useful NHL role. Tolvanen recorded 12 goals, 36 points and 187 hits in 78 games for the Kraken. That combination of scoring and physicality is exactly why he remains interesting to teams looking for value rather than headline names.
Why the Blackhawks make sense
The Blackhawks do not need to treat this like a major gamble. A PTO for Tolvanen, or a deal before training camp, would be a practical move rather than a dramatic one. He would arrive with a recent track record, some goal-scoring touch and enough edge to fit into a competitive forward mix.
That is the appeal for a team trying to keep improving for 2026-27. There is no guarantee Tolvanen would be a perfect fit, but the opportunity cost is low and the upside is clear enough to justify the conversation. When a proven UFA is still on the market this close to camp, smart teams usually at least ask the question.
Whether the Chicago Blackhawks decide to move quickly or simply keep monitoring the market, Tolvanen is the sort of player who should remain on the list. His 23-goal season was strong enough to make him a serious option, and with training camp looming, the chance to add him is still there.
