NHL News: Jeff Blashill, Blackhawks planning to break the piggy bank in pursuit of Mitch Marner to help out star Connor Bedard

The Chicago Blackhawks are determined to move past their recent struggles in the NHL, but it will take more than just a change in mindset to right the ship in the Windy City. Connor Bedard remains the franchise’s brightest beacon of hope, yet he still lacks a star-caliber sidekick to help elevate his game to the next level. Addressing that need may be the team’s top priority heading into free agency, with new head coach Jeff Blashill aiming to make a lasting first impression by pursuing soon-to-be free agent Mitch Marner.

Bedard is coming off a somewhat disappointing sophomore season in the NHL, in which the team’s struggles and fragile roster depth put on full display the lack of star talent surrounding the 19-year-old center. Bedard carried the weight of the team’s shortcomings over his shoulders, and it became a burden.

Blashill will be tasked with restoring Bedard’s confidence next season, as the Blackhawks’ success—or failure—will heavily depend on their young star. As the new head coach in Chicago, Blashill faces several crucial decisions, but identifying the right linemates for Bedard stands out as one of his top priorities.

On that note, Mitch Marner’s potential availability in free agency could be exactly what Blashill and the Blackhawks have been hoping for. A talent of his caliber rarely hits the open market, and Chicago simply can’t afford to let the opportunity go to waste.

Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on following a 5-1 loss against the St. Louis Blues at Scotiabank Arena on October 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The Blackhawks are expected to make one of the biggest offers to Mitch Marner moneywise, as reported by NHL insider Chris Johnston.

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Concerning stat

The Blackhawks have several pressing needs to address if they hope to turn things around on the ice. Chief among them is the glaring absence of true two-way forwards—players who can contribute offensively while also being reliable in their own end. Chicago is in dire need of skaters who can consistently play a full 200-foot game, balancing point production with defensive responsibility.

The hiring of Michael Peca as assistant coach might be a very positive sign on that regard, as the former NHL player won the Frank J. Selke Trophy twice in his career, and could help develop Bedard and company to become two-way forwards.

After Aleksander Barkov captured the Selke Trophy for the third time in his career, fans in Chicago were disappointed to see that only one Blackhawks player received a vote: Ilya Mikheyev, who garnered a single fifth-place nod. Given the circumstances, it’s hardly surprising—the Blackhawks finished the season with the second-most goals allowed in the NHL, surrendering a staggering amount of 292 tallies.