As the NHL offseason heats up, all eyes are on Mitch Marner, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ dynamic forward and one of the most coveted unrestricted free agents set to hit the open market this summer. With his impressive playmaking skills and a career-best season under his belt, Marner has become the centerpiece of countless rumors and speculation.

According to TSN analyst Pierre LeBrun, the Chicago Blackhawks are emerging as a serious contender in the race to secure Marner’s signature, joining a shortlist of top-tier franchises vying for his talents. The potential signing has drawn comparisons to the Blackhawks’ historic acquisition of Marian Hossa in 2009—a move that transformed the franchise and helped bring multiple championships to Chicago.

For Marner, whose postseason success has thus far eluded him in Toronto, a change of scenery could offer the fresh start and championship opportunity he’s been chasing. As anticipation builds and the free agency frenzy approaches, the hockey world is watching closely to see if Marner will become the next superstar to make a seismic impact in the Windy City.

Mitch Marner signs with the Chicago Blackhawks

Photo credit: The New York Times

Per TSN analyst Pierre LeBrun, the Chicago Blackhawks are expected to show interest in pending UFA forward Mitch Marner, who will hit the market this summer.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner is set to become one of the highest profile UFAs to hit the open market since his current teammate John Tavares did so in 2018; he jumped ship from the New York Islanders to the Maple Leafs with a 7-year deal.

Like Marner, Tavares is also a free agent on July 1. But where Marner lands will soon become one of the biggest storylines of the NHL summer.

Per a report from NHL analyst Pierre LeBrun, the Chicago Blackhawks are one of the teams expected to make a pitch for Marner; LeBrun also listed the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers and Anaheim Ducks as also potential places Marner could sign.

Should Marner decide to join the Blackhawks, it would be arguably the biggest free agent signing in franchise history since they signed Marian Hossa to a 12-year deal in the summer of 2009.

While Hossa didn’t play the final several years of his deal, he helped the Blackhawks to 3 Stanley Cup victories and several postseason appearances; his sweater No. 81 was retired by the club and he was later inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

When Hossa signed in Chicago, he had just lost twice in consecutive years in the Stanley Cup Final in ironic fashion, first with the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Red Wings, and then with the Red Wings against the Penguins.

Marner has yet to get past the 2nd round of the postseason in his career, while the Maple Leafs as a franchise haven’t advanced past the 2nd round since their most recent appearance in the Eastern Conference Final in 2002.

He reached a career-best 102 points (27G, 75A) in 81 games played.