Report reveals the Blackhawks could try to sign Mitch Marner in 2025 free agency

The Chicago Blackhawks have been deep in a rebuild for several seasons. The 2023 NHL Draft began a process out of that rebuild after the Blackhawks landed Connor Bedard. The 2024 offseason saw the team add several veterans around Connor Bedard.

Despite all of these veterans being added in free agency the Blackhawks didn't take the massive swings on big names that many expected. A new report seems to indicate that those big swings are more likely to come in 2025.

With the 2024 NHL Free Agency cycle all but wrapped up Chicago Blackhawks reporter Mark Lazerus began to focus on the future. According to his sources depending on how the 2024-25 season goes the Blackhawks could be big players in 2025 free agency. Mark Lazerus throws out names like Mitch Marner, John Tavares, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Aaron Ekblad as possibilities.

Each name on this list brings star power in their own right. If the Blackhawks could steal a star or potentially even two from their Original Six rival the Toronto Maple Leafs they could make a huge splash in the 2025-26 season.

In particular, Mitch Marner would provide an elite playmaking winger to go alongside Connor Bedard and bring veteran leadership. Despite being criticized in Toronto Mitch Marner has several 90-point seasons including a 99-point, 30-goal season in 2022-23, and would bring immense skill to the Blackhawks.

John Tavares would bring veteran leadership and stability in likely a third-line role as he ages for the Chicago Blackhawks. Over time John Tavares's offensive production has slimmed down with just 65 points last season and 29 goals. He might not be the best fit for the Blackhawks but he could be a good consolation prize if the Blackhawks lose out on some of the bigger names.

Then of course, if the Blackhawks want to add on defense they could bring in Stanley Cup champion Aaron Ekblad to their defensive unit. After being selected first overall out of the Barrie Colts of the OHL many expected Aaron Ekblad to be a Norris Trophy finalist at some point in his career. While he has not lived up to those expectations he has become a stable top-pair defenseman playing in 51 games last season only producing 18 points but was one of the best defensive players on the team.

The Chicago Blackhawks at some point are going to have to go all-in to make a big jump in the standings. If their young players take major steps this season the 2025 offseason could be the perfect time to take that step.

Source: HockeyDB
Mitch Marner Stats

Source: HockeyDB
John Tavares Stats

Source: HockeyDB
Aaron Ekblad Stats