This player would be the right player at the right time for the Blackhawks

Blackhawk Up · Jul 22, 2026 02:00 · 2 min read

This player would be the right player at the right time for the Blackhawks — Mar 10, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Logan Stanley (64) on the ice against the San Jose Sharks at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Blackhawks should consider signing this free agent to help improve their defensive depth.

The Chicago Blackhawks have made it clear this offseason that they want to be better in 2026-27. They most notably included this year's fourth-overall pick in a blockbuster trade package to acquire star defenseman Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres. They also added other new players like Jordan Greenway, Cole Smith, and Ian Cole, who could each be nice pickups.

While the Blackhawks have already added to their blueline this summer by bringing in Byram and Cole, it is fair to argue that they could still use another defenseman with plenty of NHL experience. When looking at the UFAs still available for the taking, defenseman Logan Stanley stands out as a fascinating option for the Blackhawks to consider.

If the Blackhawks signed Stanley, he would give them a shutdown defenseman with size. The 6-foot-7 blueliner's hard-nosed style of play would provide the Blackhawks' defense with more bite, which is certainly a need for them right now. His 110 hits and 128 penalty minutes this past season show this.

Stanley also demonstrated last season that he can provide some offense from the point as well. In 76 games split between the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres, the 2016 first-round pick set new career highs with nine goals, 17 assists, and 26 points. With that, he could be a player worth taking a gamble on with a short-term deal for the Blackhawks.

Where Logan Stanley could fit in the Blackhawks' lineup if signed

When taking a look at the Blackhawks' current projected lineup, Stanley would have the potential to be a strong addition to their bottom pairing. He would also offer them another option for their penalty kill if signed due to his ability to shut down opponents.

Yet, even if Stanley rotated into the Blackhawks' lineup as an extra defenseman, he would have the potential to benefit them. This is especially so when noting that Chicago has a lot of young defensemen still working on their development. Furthermore, it is no secret that injuries pick up as the season rolls on.

Ultimately, on a short-term deal, there could be a good match between Stanley and the Blackhawks. While he would not be the flashiest of additions to the Blackhawks' roster, he would give their blueline some much-needed toughness and depth. This is never a bad thing to have, and it will be intriguing to see if the Blackhawks end up signing him from here.