Top free agents that will take the Chicago Blackhawks to the next level

With $30 million in cap space heading into the 2025 NHL offseason, the Chicago Blackhawks have an opportunity to make serious noise free agency. After another rebuild year that saw Connor Bedard in his second NHL season, and the emergence of young talent called up to the roster like Artyom Levshunov and Frank Nazar, the time feels right to add more players that can produce and add energy to the lineup.

The top five free agents who could help take the Blackhawks to the next level in the 2025-26 season.

1. Mitch Marner — RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Cap Hit: $10.9 million

Mitch Marner is the top free agent on the market, and teams are going to be eyeing in on him in the offseason. The Blackhawks should be one of those teams. In fact, they should throw in all their chips for Marner. The 27-year-old winger is one of the NHL's most dynamic playmakers, and I think he would thrive next to Connor Bedard on the top line.

Can you imagine Marner and Bedard on the same team? That would be a sight to see. Marner's vision, elite skating, and power play impact would instantly boost Chicago's offense and leadership group.

Yes, it's a major financial commitment—but with cap space to burn and a young core in place, this is the splash that Chicago needs to take their rebuild to the next step.

2. Nikolaj Ehlers — LW, Winnipeg Jets

Cap Hit: $6 Million

Ehlers had an impressive 2024-25 season, recording 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) in 69 games, ranking third in points for the Jets.

If Winnipeg can't reach a deal with him, I'd love to see Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson make an offer. His speed and offensive skills would be a valuable addition to the Blackhawks' top six, providing depth and versaitily on the wing.

3. Brock Boeser — RW, Vancouver Canucks

Cap Hit: $6.5 Million

Boeser experienced a decline in production during the 2024-25 season, posting 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 75 games after notching 73 points (40 goals, 33 assists) in 81 games in the 2023-24 season. Additionally, his plus-minus rating dropped from +23 to -25.

Despite this, Boeser's scoring ability and playoff experience could offer a boost to the Blackhawks' offense, especially if he regains his scoring touch.

4. Patrick Kane — RW, Detroit Red Wings

Cap Hit: $4 Million

Patrick Kane returning to Chicago would be a dream move for many Blackhawks fans. At age 36, he still has plenty left, putting up 59 points (21 goals, 38 assists) in 72 games for the Red Wings in the 2024-25 season. Kaner would being offensive creativity, playoff experience, and a veteran presence to a young Hawks team.

Plus, Kane knows what it's like to be part of a rebuilding Blackhawks team — he experienced it early in his career before helping lead them to three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, and 2015) in six years (2009-2015), becoming the dynasty team Hawks fans all know and love today.

Not to mention that pairing Kane with Bedard could be electric and nostalgic at the same time.

5. Parker Wotherspoon — D, Boston Bruins

Cap Hit: $800,000

Parker Wotherspoon quietly carved out a solid role on the Bruins' blue line during the 2024-25 season. He played in 55 games, recording 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists) while averaging 18:02 of ice time per game. Wotherspoon stepped up for Boston's defense, when their top defensemen, Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, missed games due to injuries.

He finished the season with 75 hits, 66 blocked shots, and a -10 plus-minus rating.

Wotherspoon could be a reliable depth option for the Hawks as they look to support their young core.

The Blackhawks are still a rebuild, but they need to get to the next level. The time for horrific seasons is over — at least, that's Blackhawks fans are hoping for. It's time to take the next step.

Blackhawks fans want to see this team do better and give them hope — not another season finishing with a 25-46-11 record and finishing in the bottom three of the standings. Hopefully with an addition or two, Chicago can give their fans something exciting to watch in 2025.