As NHL free agency approaches, the future of Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner continues to dominate headlines. Once considered a top target for teams seeking elite offensive talent, Marner’s list of potential suitors is beginning to shrink. In a surprising move, the Chicago Blackhawks—armed with ample cap space and previously linked to Marner—have officially opted out of the race.

This decision, confirmed by team representatives, signals a significant shift in the market for one of hockey’s most dynamic wingers. With his tenure in Toronto nearing its end and a fresh chapter on the horizon, Marner now faces a pivotal summer, searching for a new home south of the border. As speculation swirls and the field narrows, the hockey world waits to see where the former 100-point scorer will land next, and how his choice could impact the NHL landscape for years to come.

Mitch Marner

Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Kyle Davidson and the Chicago Blackhawks have made a tough decision, and they won’t be pursuing the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner in July.

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner is set to be the most highly sought-after free agenct in July. But the field is narrowing.

According to The Athletic’s Scott Powers, Mitch Marner will have to add the Blackhawks to his list of “no-go”. The team has already kicked tires on the $10.9 million winger, and it now confirmed to not be interested in acquiring him.

It looks as if Marner now has around 20+ options in the NHL to sign with in July. Of course, neither one of them will be the Maple Leafs, and now you can add Chicago to that list.

The former 102+ point winger who is leaving Canada behind in July will have to look to the US for new opportunities in the NHL. He has stated he won’t be returning to Canada after his long tenure in Toronto has gone sour.

The Blackhawks were originally linked to Marner, with over $30.9 million in salary cap available in July, it’d make sense they were poised to sign one of the league’s top wingers.

Whether or not it’s a cultural fit or an issue of money, we’ll never know.

Marner’s $65 million deal will be coming to an end in July, and he hasn’t done himself any favors if you’ve watched him play recently.

During the regular season, he’s on fire and has no issues creating plays and scoring goals.

But during the postseason, it is when he and his other “core four” partners will ghost their team.

The Maple Leafs during the “core four” era have failed to make significant strides to win a Stanley Cup in the postseason. This year was no different.

Marner and Auston Matthews are headed for the golf course, while Davidson won’t be looking to the former London Knight to add meaningful offense to the top-six in Chicago.