Chicago Blackhawks made decision on free agent Mitch Marner: Report

Per Scott Powers of The Athletic, the Blackhawks are interested in veteran right-wing Mitch Marner. However, Chicago knows they’re unlikely to sign him because they’re more than willing to be outbid this offseason. They made a decision they won’t overpay for Marner this summer.

“For one, 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. That alone probably wouldn’t make them a true player for him.

“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. He isn’t the Brian Campbell or Marián Hossa that puts them over the top. Two years from now, as the Blackhawks’ youth grows older and more established, that could be different.”

Landing an elite free agent might be hard this summer

The worry is that signing Marner, 28, means his skillset will diminish when Chicago’s core is ready to start competing in the postseason. The Blackhawks want to save their checkbook for when they’re prepared to grab hardware.

Powers doesn’t think the Blackhawks are ready to sign a “significant” restricted free agent. For now, Chicago will focus on adding premium talent in the draft with the No. 3 pick. Then add the best players they can on a budget.

Unfortunately for Chicago, the team isn’t a top destination for free agents, given where the team is in the rebuild after finishing with the league’s second-worst record. The only reason a player would sign with the Blackhawks is for money.

It’s a rough cycle for Chicago until Bedard and the young core start producing.

Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson makes the nineteenth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images