NHL News: Connor Bedard's Blackhawks reportedly make final stance clear on Mitch Marner ahead of free agency

The Chicago Blackhawks might not be in position to compete for a playoff spot in the 2025-26 NHL season, just yet, but that could change with a big splash in free agency. Mitch Marner is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) and Connor Bedard could certainly benefit from the arrival of one of the best playmakers in the league. The candidates for Marner, however, won’t be few and Chicago has now made a decision about the 28-year-old.

Marner is coming off a 102-point NHL regular season in Toronto, which ended as it always does for the Maple Leafs in the 21st century—totally eclipsed by their blunders in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Marner didn’t play particularly great, whatsoever, for the Leafs in the postseason, and his stock heading into free agency could be affected because of it. He is widely acknowledged as the best free agent in this year’s cycle, nevertheless, and any team would take him in a heartbeat, especially those in the league’s basement, like Chicago.

The Blackhawks are entering a new stage on their rebuild in the 2025-26 campaign, headlined by the arrival of Jeff Blashill’s behind the bench and Bedard’s third year in the NHL. Adding a player with Marner’s skills and traits could do wonders for the Hawks, but the race for the 28-year-old winger won’t be smooth-sailing.

Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs takes a breather against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

According to reports from insider Pierre LeBrun, the Blackhawks are among the teams heavily interested in Marner and are expected to make an offer when the forward’s contract with Toronto expires on July 1st.

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Four-team race

Marner is undoubtedly the biggest name in the upcoming free agency class, and therefore his presence draws interest from several NHL organizations in need of star power.

According to LeBrun, the race for Marner is being led by four candidates: the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings.

However, those teams aren’t exactly where Marner envisions himself signing. According to LeBrun, his interest appears to be split between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers—two legitimate Stanley Cup contenders.

While it’s easy to see why Marner would dream of joining either franchise, committing to a free agent reportedly seeking a $13 million contract may not be the most sound business move for either team.