The Chicago Blackhawks are once again near the bottom of the NHL standings, but they plan to be active and aggressive this offseason.
While Connor Bedard remains the team’s franchise cornerstone, the Blackhawks are eager to surround him with more talent. According to NHL insider Rob Couch of NHLTradeRumors, Chicago could make a push to sign Mitch Marner if he hits the free agent market.
“Mitch Marner would be the top prize in free agency if he becomes available. The Blackhawks have the cap space and a major need for a player like him,” Couch wrote. “Bedard needs a skilled teammate and should look to shoot more in order to boost his scoring. Having an elite playmaker like Marner could elevate his game and give the team more time in the offensive zone. Marner wouldn’t come cheap, but this is the right moment for the Blackhawks to bring in a seasoned star forward.”
Marner is wrapping up a six-year, $65.41 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Pairing him with Bedard could help the 2023 first-overall pick continue to develop into a top-tier NHL talent.
This season, Marner has tallied 26 goals and 73 assists for 99 points in 79 games with Toronto.
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson Encouraged by Rebuild
Despite a difficult season, Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson remains positive about the team’s long-term direction.
Although the Blackhawks have the second-worst record in the league, Davidson believes progress is being made.
“I expected us to be better than second-last, yes,” Davidson admitted. “But I’m not concerned about the bigger picture or the path we’re on. I remain confident in our trajectory and encouraged by the performances of our young players across the organization. Honestly, I’m even more optimistic now than I was last summer.”
Chicago currently sits at 23-46-11, positioning themselves for another high draft pick.
Offseason Strategy Still Unclear
With over $30 million in cap space heading into the offseason, the Blackhawks have flexibility to make major roster moves. However, Davidson is not committing to any big splashes just yet.
“We’ll see,” he said. “It’s only January. We don’t know who’ll actually be available in six or seven months. Once we have clarity on that, we’ll evaluate what makes sense. Things can change quickly before the summer. That said, we’re always keeping our options open and thinking about what works for the short, medium, and long term.”
Davidson emphasized that while questions about signing a star player come up often, the front office will remain flexible and evaluate opportunities as they arise.