The Chicago Blackhawks are believed to be ready to make a major splash soon, and not only has Mitch Marner’s name come up, but John Tavares’ name as well.
This summer, we saw the Nashville Predators take no prisoners, dominating day 1 of free agency, signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei to big money, multi-year deals. Next summer, according to Mark Lazerus of The Athletic, it could he Chicago’s turn to dominate the UFA market.
The Blackhawks have already reeled in a former Maple Leaf, signing Tyler Bertuzzi to a 4-year deal on July 1st, and Lazerus believes that if both Tavares and Marner hit the free agent market in 2025, the Hawks could target both of them, which may be an exciting prospect for Bertuzzi, who would likely fully endorse the reunion.
Bertuzzi was reportedly very close to re-upping with the Leafs leading up to the start of free agency until Nick Foligno put in a call to the former Boston Bruin and Detroit Red Wing to see him on the idea of being a part of the rebuild in Chicago, which seems to be entering a pivotal stage and a potential upswing.
If the Hawks can secure deals for both Marner and Tavares next summer, it would open up the possibility of running a top line that consists of Bertuzzi-Tavares-Marner, allowing Connor Bedard to continue his ascension at his own pace and allowing the Hawks to shelter him a bit more on the second line, not that he needs it.
Other names Lazerus had mentioned as possibilities for Chicago include Aaron Ekblad, Shea Theodore, Nikolaj Ehlers and Brock Boeser. The Hawks could become a real force in the league very quickly if they use their cap space wisely.
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