The Chicago Blackhawks officially make the phone call to acquire Mitch Marner
The Blackhawks have popped up in a lot of free-agent rumors this off-season as GM Kyle Davidson looks to improve the top-six.
According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, GM Kyle Davidson is making calls around the league about the availability of many superstar forwards.
Following up the story, The Fourth Period would list 25 available free agents, of which the Blackhawks are linked to some names brought up. It appears the Blackhawks are digging deep in order to push the rebuild forward.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' top-six forward, with a no-move clause in a massive $10.9 Million contract, has come up with the Blackhawks name attached. Marner tallied 85 points in 69 games this season and it appeared the team was the frontrunner at one point for Marner before extension talks picked up between the forward and Treliving.
It appears unlike Marner, the Blackhawks, and Necas seem to be in play currently, as Necas could be a long-term fit for the team's plans. The 25-year-old is bound to become a cap casualty, as they cannot fit the RFA into their situation and is shopping his rights, as he is set to become a huge star in the NHL and grow into a true top-six forward.
The Blackhawks are interested in acquiring Marner but would have to find the resources to offer sheet Necas, as the Hurricanes would have difficulty matching an offer sheet for the forward.
Necas could legitimately, be one of the Blackhawks' future stars, should the deal go through.
The former first round pick of the New York Islanders hasn't garnered a lot of attention due to a lackluster 2023-2024 season.
He is set to become an RFA and the team could snap Wahlstrom up at a good price. Despite playing only 32 games for the Isles last season, still has plenty of upside the Blackhawks could use.
Trevor Zegras would ultimately be a Kyle Davidson coup, should he pull this deal off. As the 23-year-old, carries quite the cap hit at $5.75 Million AAV. After suffering an injury-riddled 2023-2024, Zegras would be open to a move into a bigger market, like the Windy City.
He has two years left on his current contract and could fit the team's top line with Connor Bedard.
Source: Sports Mockey
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| POLL | ||
Who should the Blackhawks sign? | ||
| Mitch Marner | 141 | 43.8 % |
| Oliver Wahlstrom | 17 | 5.3 % |
| Martin Necas | 106 | 32.9 % |
| Trevor Zegras | 58 | 18 % |
| List of polls | ||
