As Chicago P.D. prepares to say goodbye—at least temporarily—to longtime star Patrick John Flueger, who portrays fan-favorite Adam Ruzek, fans and insiders alike are already speculating about how the show will fill the emotional and narrative void his absence will leave behind. While the Intelligence Unit has weathered many cast changes over its twelve seasons, this one feels particularly significant. And perhaps the best way to balance that loss is by bringing back a familiar face — someone whose return would both honor the show’s legacy and reignite fresh storylines.
One name stands out among fans: Elias Koteas, who played the late Detective Alvin Olinsky. His tragic death in Season 5 remains one of Chicago P.D.’s most heartbreaking moments, and his absence continues to echo through the team — particularly in Sergeant Hank Voight’s world. While Olinsky’s death seemed definitive, television has never been afraid to revisit the past through flashbacks, hallucinations, or even new evidence tied to old cases.
Reintroducing Koteas, even briefly, could bring a powerful emotional anchor during Ruzek’s exit arc. Voight has been showing cracks in his hardened exterior again lately, and a haunting return or emotional reckoning with Olinsky could mirror Ruzek’s own struggles with loyalty, sacrifice, and identity. Both men have been central to Voight’s sense of family — one lost, one leaving.
Alternatively, if the show wants to shift its focus toward rebuilding Intelligence, Chicago P.D. could also consider reviving Antonio Dawson, played by Jon Seda. As one of the original members of the unit, Dawson brought balance, moral integrity, and deep ties to Chicago’s law enforcement network. His return would not only mend a long-standing gap in the team dynamic but could also reestablish the procedural grit and brotherhood that defined the early seasons.
Patrick John Flueger’s exit marks a major turning point for the show. Ruzek has long been the emotional pulse of Chicago P.D., the bridge between Voight’s darkness and Burgess’s compassion. His absence risks leaving both a personal and professional void — one that could be perfectly complemented by a returning veteran who understands the Intelligence Unit’s DNA. Showrunner Gwen Sigan has teased that Season 13 will focus heavily on “legacy and evolution,” suggesting the writers are open to reconnecting with the show’s roots. “We’re always aware of the history of these characters,” Sigan told TVLine. “The past always finds its way back in.”
If there was ever a moment for that past to resurface, it’s now. Whether through flashbacks, a surprise cameo, or a full-fledged return, Chicago P.D. has a chance to honor its history while navigating its future. As fans brace for Ruzek’s departure, one thing is clear: the Intelligence Unit has never been about who’s gone — but about who steps up next. And a familiar face from the past could be exactly what this next chapter needs.
