Blackhawks Linked to Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner, But There's A Catch
Blackhawks Linked to Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner, But There's A Catch originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Blackhawks enter the offseason with nearly $30 million in projected cap space, according to PuckPedia, and with phenom forward Connor Bedard leading the next generation of Hawks hockey.
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Speculation has mounted that the Blackhawks could make a splash in free agency, given their huge cap room and need for improvement.
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner's name has been loosely linked to Chicago, given their flexibility and market size, and the fact that the Leafs star will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
According to Scott Powers of The Athletic, while the Blackhawks will likely inquire if Marner hits the market, they aren't expected to aggressively pursue the winger.
"If Marner does hit the open market, the Blackhawks, like everyone else, would likely inquire about him," Powers wrote. "The Blackhawks just aren't expected to open their checkbook and allow Marner to fill out the amount.
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"As much as they like Marner, they don't see him — or any unrestricted free agent — as an essential piece to add, considering where they are in their rebuild."
Powers reported that general manager Kyle Davidson maintains full support from chairman Danny Wirtz and will continue focusing on long-term development through the draft instead of rushing moves.
"They might be hard to hold off the dogs," one Eastern Conference executive told Powers, "but I think the Blackhawks need to stay out of that game for another two to three years."
Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (16) skates with the puck during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Rather than enter a potential bidding war for Marner, Chicago is more likely to explore the trade market for younger players under team control.
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"One potential path to adding a notable player is through trade," Powers wrote. He mentioned someone like Buffalo's JJ Peterka as a potential target.
"If another team is looking to move a young restricted free agent because they're struggling to work out a deal, that's where the Blackhawks could be aggressive," Powers wrote. "Someone like Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka could intrigue the Blackhawks."
Regarding a Marner pursuit, Powers summarized the chances bluntly, claiming, "it isn't likely to be."
Related: NHL Insider Describes 'Heel Turn' Scenario for Mitch Marner's Free Agency
Related: Insider Says $1.85B Franchise Is Not the Favorite to Land Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
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