The hope is that the Chicago Blackhawks take advantage of their significant salary cap space to sign a top-tier free agent this offseason. As the team continues its rebuild, adding support for Connor Bedard on the first line would be a major step forward.
Someone like Mitch Marner could be the perfect complement to Bedard, potentially forming a dynamic duo capable of bringing the Blackhawks back into playoff contention. While there are some questions surrounding Marner’s game, he’s still a point-per-game talent who tallied 75 assists this past season.
Pairing him with Bedard on the top line could result in an explosive offensive combination.
However, it is becoming clear that Marner joining the Blackhawks is not going to happen.
Not when he’s reportedly seeking over $14 million per year—and certainly not when the Carolina Hurricanes seem willing to meet that price.
The Hurricanes are working with a similar amount of cap space as the Blackhawks, but unlike Chicago, they’re already in win-now mode. The Hawks, meanwhile, still need time to develop their young core before they can contend.
If Marner wants both a big payday and a chance to keep winning, Carolina is the better fit.
Also, keep in mind that GM Kyle Davidson values salary cap flexibility. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him allocate his resources more evenly rather than committing a huge chunk to one player like Marner.
For the same price, Davidson might be able to bring in both Nikolaj Ehlers and Brock Boeser. And if Florida shocks everyone and signs Marner, Chicago could pivot to someone like Sam Bennett.
All three of those players could boost the Blackhawks just as much as Marner would. What matters most is that this offseason cannot be a quiet one.
Davidson must bring in experienced talent to push the rebuild forward—otherwise, this losing stretch could drag on even longer.
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