Chicago Blackhawks should pursue disgruntled star forward in free agency

After a strong end to the 2024-25 season, the Chicago Blackhawks have the ability to capitalize on their momentum this summer. The front office has plenty of resources to work with through free agency, the trade market and the draft as general manager Kyle Davidson has set them up well for success moving forward. The team holds the 3rd overall pick in the draft, after losing out to the Islanders and Sharks in the lottery a couple of weeks ago.

Many people in the hockey world believe it is time for the Blackhawks to at least take a step forward in their rebuild with some of their young pieces beginning to get comfortable at the NHL level. There will be some really intriguing free agents on the open market this summer, and one could be a perfect fit for Chicago.

The Chicago Blackhawks need to go all-in on Mitch Marner

Mitch Marner is expected to demand a lot of money as a free agent this summer. Things have not gone Toronto’s way in the playoffs in the last handful of years, and he could be looking for a change of scenery because of that. In a column from The Athletic written by Chris Johnston that came out during the Maple Leaf’s series with the Panthers, it was revealed that Marner could want out of Toronto.

“Everything is lining up for him (Marner) to walk free,” Johnston wrote. There’s been a growing sense that the 28-year-old winger wants a fresh start after enduring an avalanche of criticism for his team’s repeated playoff shortcomings. That’s about to be released again here with serious force after Marner and linemate Auston Matthews have been completely shut down in the offensive zone by the defending Stanley Cup champions in Round 2.”

Marner has been with the Maple Leafs since he was drafted by the organization with the fourth overall pick in 2015. He is expected to command as much as $14 million per year on a new deal, and the Maple Leafs might not be able to bring him back, especially after all of their playoff struggles.

Mitch Marner would be an instant star in Chicago

Marner is the best shot Chicago has at adding a big time playmaker in the open market during their rebuild. Players like the 28-year-old winger don’t make it to free agency often, so the front office needs to capitalize on this opportunity.

Marner is coming off a 100 point campaign, where he scored 27 goals and collected 75 assists for 102 points in the regular season. A player of his calibar would work wonders for guys like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, who are looking to take big steps forward this fall.