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Blackhawks should target 3 UFA forwards this summer

The Chicago Blackhawks could be looking to add some punch to their top six, particularly looking for a strong linemate to play with Connor Bedard.
ByNestor Quixtan|
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Apr 6, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) looks for the puck against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) looks for the puck against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Some of the chatter surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks this offseason suggests the club will be looking to target some veteran help, particularly aimed at supporting Connor Bedard.

One of the targets discussed, though not quite a veteran piece, was Matthews Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Rumors suggest that the Blackhawks were talking about a deal at the NHL trade deadline.

The deal didn’t materialize, of course, so the UFA market could offer serviceable alternatives for the Blackhawks.

Free-Agent Market May Still Yield Interesting Pieces for Blackhawks

While this year’s UFA class doesn’t have the star power that other classes have had, the Blackhawks could still find solid fits for the club’s plans moving forward.

Bobby McMann

Apr 13, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann (74) is congratulated by teammates on the bench
Apr 13, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann (74) is congratulated by teammates on the bench after scoring a goal during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

One interesting name that will be in high demand is Seattle Kraken impending UFA Bobby McMann. McMann started the season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but ended up moving to Seattle at the NHL trade deadline.

The 29-year-old scored a career-high 29 goals this season. McMann has now registered back-to-back 20-goal seasons after scoring 15 in 2023-24. He’s coming off a $1.35 million contract and could be looking to get a deal around the $5 million range.

Such a deal could make sense for the Blackhawks, assuming that Connor Bedard’s next contract doesn’t go all the way to the moon.

Mason Marchment

Apr 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (17) gets set during a face off in the
Apr 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (17) gets set during a face off in the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Another interesting name is Mason Marchment. Marchment started the season with the Kraken and moved on to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a mid-season deal.

Marchment is 30, and narrowly missed out on his third-straight 20-goal season. But it’s reasonable to think that a full, healthy season would be enough to help the undrafted forward get back to the 20-goal plateau.

The Blackhawks could get Marchment under contract for a similar price tag as McMann. If that’s the case, signing him to a three or four-year deal wouldn’t be the craziest idea in the world.

Eeli Tolvanen

Jan 31, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Seattle Kraken right wing Eeli Tolvanen (20) warms up before a game against the Vegas
Jan 31, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Seattle Kraken right wing Eeli Tolvanen (20) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Eeli Tolvanen doesn’t jump out as a high-end scorer. But he is a former 20-goal scorer and could provide solid support to Bedard in all-around situations.

It’s worth pointing out that the former first-round pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2017 NHL Draft has never really played with an elite center like Bedard. As such, playing with Bedard could allow Tolvanen to reach another level.

Most importantly, Tolvanen has a physical side to him as well. That’s something that would bode well for Bedard, as he could use some cover in that regard.

Tolvanen is 27 and could still have plenty of tread left on his tires. So, the Blackhawks could take a chance by signing him to a multi-year deal. Perhaps something in the neighborhood of a three-year contract could make Tolvanen a solid fit, especially since Ilya Mikheyev and Sam Lafferty will be hitting the UFA market this summer.

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