As the NHL offseason heats up, all eyes are on one of the league’s brightest stars: Mitch Marner. With his contract set to expire and free agency looming, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ dynamic forward is rapidly becoming the most talked-about name on the open market. Speculation is swirling, and the rumor mill is in overdrive as several teams prepare to make their move for the elite playmaker.

Among the franchises poised to make waves, the Chicago Blackhawks have emerged as a particularly intriguing contender. Armed with significant salary cap space and a clear vision for the future, Chicago’s front office is reportedly ready to do whatever it takes to bring Marner into the fold. Their pursuit signals a bold new era for the Blackhawks, who are eager to build a competitive roster around rising star Connor Bedard and new head coach Jeff Blashill.

Meanwhile, the pressure is mounting in Toronto, where fans and analysts alike are bracing for the possibility of Marner’s departure. As negotiations and rumors intensify, one thing is certain: wherever Mitch Marner lands, the impact on the NHL landscape will be immediate and profound.

Mitch Marner free agency

Photo credit: The New York Times

The Chicago Blackhawks and GM Kyle Davidson are expected to present a considerable offer to pending Toronto Maple Leafs UFA forward Mitch Marner this summer.

Toronto Maple Leafs pending UFA forward Mitch Marner is set to become one of the hottest commodities on the open market in some time, as it’s looking more and more like he’s going to be leaving Toronto.

And among the teams expected to show major interest in Marner are the Chicago Blackhawks, who are looking to not only build around 2023 1st round draft pick Connor Bedard but also to provide more talent for new head coach Jeff Blashill to work with.

Per a recent report from TSN’s Chris Johnston, the Blackhawks will firmly be in the mix for Marner.

Chris Johnston: Carolina, Chicago expected to make the some of the biggest offers to Mitch Marner moneywise – Chris Johnston Show

Marner’s AAV (average annual value) with the Maple Leafs for the last 5 years was just under $11 million, and he’s expected to cash in with a new deal that pays him anywhere from $12 to potentially even $14 million annually.

The Blackhawks will have considerable salary cap space with which to work, as they have just under $30 million at their disposal, more than enough to make a handsome offer to Marner that he would have a hard time turning down.

Marner, who reached a new career-best 102 points (27G, 75A) this year with the Maple Leafs, once again came under considerable scrutiny after he had a lone assist in the final 4 postseason games for Toronto as they were knocked from the postseason by the divisional foe Florida Panthers.

While the Blackhawks are in no position to realistically compete for a Stanley Cup right now, adding Marner would go a long way of getting them back to the reputation of a young club on the rise.