Top 5 players the Blackhawks should target in free agency

The Chicago Blackhawks need to play better next season.

Sitting at the bottom of the standings is not going to fly with the Blackhawks looking to start stepping out of a rebuild. With that in mind, free agency could offer the Hawks an opportunity to improve the franchise for years to come.

Each summer, there are some big name free agents most of the league goes after. Per Puck Pedia, the Hawks are projected almost $31 million in cap space for next season, that gives them plenty of cash to entice some big name players to Chicago.

Who should the Hawks go after? Who are the big names? And who could fit well with the roster? Let's look at five potential options for the Blackhawks when July 1 comes around.

1. The Blackhawks could add a first line forward ready to make an impact.

One game away from elimination—Toronto Maple Leafs fans are frustrated. Should Toronto lost to the Florida Panthers, change will finally be coming to the original six team.

Mitch Marner is set to hit free agency this July. Marner, who has 12 points in 11 playoff games this postseason, is the big name being talked about around the league.

Marner had his best regular season in 2024-25 putting up over 100 points for his first time in his career. The Toronto forward is set to get paid, and Kyle Davidson should do everything he can to make sure the Hawks are the one giving him the check.

Marner would be the perfect linemate for Connor Bedard, someone who can help elevate his game for the next decade. At 28 years old, Marner still has a lot of hockey ahead of him, and forwards like him don't become available all too often.

Just try not to pay attention to this turnover from last night.