The Chicago Blackhawks must push all their chips in to add Mitch Marner this offseason

The Chicago Blackhawks are in the midst of a rebuild, but this offseason could be a turning point if the Hawks can sign Mitch Marner.

Marner, 28, is expected to become an unrestricted free agent after the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs in a Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers. The loss could mark the end of Toronto's longtime core of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Matthew Knies, and John Tavares.

"Yeah, I mean, you know, we'll see what happens," Marner said after the game 7. "It's devastating right now. We had a great year...and fell short again. It's tough to really put emotions or anything forward to thinking about future."

The former fourth overall pick is coming off another strong season, tallying 102 points (27 goals, 75 assists) in 81 games. In his nine seasons with Toronto, Marner put up 741 points (221 goals, 520 assists) in 657 regular-season games, He also recorded 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists) in 13 playoff games this postseason, bringing his career playoff total to 63 points (13 goals, 50 assists) in 70 games.

"It's meant everything. They took a risky pick on a small kid from Toronto. I've been forever grateful to be able to wear this Maple Leaf...I've never taken a day for granted and always loved it."

His six-year, $10.9 million AAV contract he signed in September 2019, has now expired, making him one of the biggest names on the open market this summer.

"I don't have any thoughts right now," Marner said on his future. "Pretty devastated with what just happened...I've always enjoyed this team and this city."

Instead of spreading their cap space across depth players, the Hawks should go big and make a serious push for Mitch Marner.

Chicago has money to spend with a projected $30 million in cap space this offseason and a clear need for top-line talent.

Adding Marner would instantly give Chicago an elite playmaker to pair with Connor Bedard, who wrapped up his sophomore season with 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) in 82 games. Marner's vision, skating, and two-way game could elevate Bedard's play while also bringing leadership and postseason experience to a young locker room.

While other teams like the Flyers, Predators, or even the Utah Mammoth might try to sign Marner, the Blackhawks offer something unique: a chance to lead a rising franchise, mentor one of the league's brightest stars, and help lead them to the playoffs.