Blackhawks Linked to Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner, But There's A Catch

"If Marner does hit the open market, the Blackhawks, like everyone else, would likely inquire about him," Powers wrote. "The Blackhawks just aren’t expected to open their checkbook and allow Marner to fill out the amount.

"As much as they like Marner, they don’t see him — or any unrestricted free agent — as an essential piece to add, considering where they are in their rebuild."

Powers reported that general manager Kyle Davidson maintains full support from chairman Danny Wirtz and will continue focusing on long-term development through the draft instead of rushing moves.

"They might be hard to hold off the dogs," one Eastern Conference executive told Powers, "but I think the Blackhawks need to stay out of that game for another two to three years."

Rather than enter a potential bidding war for Marner, Chicago is more likely to explore the trade market for younger players under team control.

"One potential path to adding a notable player is through trade," Powers wrote. He mentioned someone like Buffalo’s JJ Peterka as a potential target.

"If another team is looking to move a young restricted free agent because they’re struggling to work out a deal, that’s where the Blackhawks could be aggressive," Powers wrote. "Someone like Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka could intrigue the Blackhawks."

Regarding a Marner pursuit, Powers summarized the chances bluntly, claiming, "it isn’t likely to be."