“BLACKHAWKS ON THE PROWL: The Two Maple Leafs Stars Who Could Be Headed to Chicago – The News That Will Change Everything
NHL insider Mark Lazerus of The Athletic has put forth the intriguing possibility that the Chicago Blackhawks might set their sights on Toronto Maple Leafs stars Mitch Marner and John Tavares in the upcoming free agency period. Both players are nearing the end of their current contracts, with free agency looming on July 1. While Marner and Tavares have both indicated a strong preference to remain with the Maple Leafs, Lazerus speculates that the Blackhawks could present a compelling opportunity should the players hit the open market.
Mitch Marner and John Tavares are central figures in the Maple Leafs’ lineup. Tavares, the team captain, played 80 games last season, recording 29 goals and 36 assists for a total of 65 points. Marner, known for his playmaking abilities, posted 26 goals and 59 assists in 69 games, amassing 85 points. Their performances are critical to Toronto’s offensive strategy, and losing either player would be a significant blow. However, the prospect of adding such high-caliber talent is precisely why Lazerus believes Chicago might pursue them.
The Blackhawks are in the midst of a rebuild, having finished with the second-worst record in the NHL last season, at 23-53-6. Despite their recent struggles, there is a sense of optimism around the team, driven by their young prospects and a desire to return to competitiveness. Lazerus notes that with marquee players like Marner, Tavares, Brock Boeser, Nikolaj Ehlers, Shea Theodore, and Aaron Ekblad potentially entering free agency next summer, the landscape could shift dramatically. This influx of talent could coincide perfectly with the development of promising young players like Oliver Moore and Levshunov, creating a potent mix of experience and youth.
In his article, Lazerus underscores the Blackhawks’ readiness to make bold moves. He points to the team’s recent draft strategy as evidence of their aggressive approach. Specifically, he mentions the Blackhawks’ willingness to trade a future unprotected top pick to Columbus for the chance to draft Demidov. “The fact that Davidson was ready to trade next year’s unprotected top pick (almost certainly a top-10 pick) to Columbus for the ability to draft Demidov is as clear a sign as any that the Blackhawks are ready to stop living years in the future,” Lazerus wrote. This readiness to part with valuable future assets signals a shift towards immediate improvement and competitiveness.
Lazerus further speculates that the Blackhawks might not stop at free agency. He suggests they could pursue significant trades or acquisitions to signal their intent to be taken seriously as playoff contenders. “Trades like that are rare, and it’s not as if they’ll be in the rental market at the trade deadline,” he wrote. “But perhaps they look for this generation’s Brian Campbell and/or Marian Hossa next summer — the player who signals to both the team and its fans that it’s time to start taking the Blackhawks seriously again.”
For Chicago, landing a player like Tavares or Marner would not just be a boost on the ice but a statement to the league and their fans that the Blackhawks are committed to a swift and serious rebuild. The addition of such players could help guide and mentor the younger talents, accelerating their development and integrating them into a competitive squad.
Despite these potential moves, both Marner and Tavares have expressed a strong desire to remain in Toronto. Marner, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Maple Leafs, is deeply connected to the city. In a heartfelt statement on May 6, he expressed his dedication to the team and the community: “That’d be a goal. I’ve expressed my love for this place, this city. Obviously, I’ve grown up here. We’ll start thinking about that now and trying to figure something out. … It means the world to me.”
John Tavares, who left the New York Islanders to join his hometown team, shares this sentiment. Tavares signed with the Maple Leafs six years ago, drawn by the team’s potential and the vibrant hockey market in Toronto. He remains committed to the team’s vision and success. “I love playing here. It’s a remarkable place to play,” Tavares said. “And when I committed here six years ago, obviously I saw a tremendous amount of talent and an amazing hockey market and organization that’s fully committed to winning and doing whatever it can — and I still feel that way.”
As the free agency period approaches, the Maple Leafs will face crucial decisions regarding their roster. Whether they can retain both Marner and Tavares remains to be seen, but the potential interest from teams like the Blackhawks adds a fascinating dynamic to their negotiations. For Chicago, acquiring such talent could be a game-changer, marking a significant step forward in their quest to return to NHL prominence.
