Is Mitch Marner the Upgrade Blackhawks Want or Need for Connor Bedard?

With rumors of Marner potentially being moved by the Maple Leafs in the offseason, should the Blackhawks explore a trade?

Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs may be on his way out this summer. The Chicago Blackhawks, who have ample salary cap space, are one of the teams that could fit him on their roster next season.

There are some pros and cons involving the Blackhawks taking this chance on the star winger. 

But it is looking less and less likely that the Maple Leafs are going to want to keep Marner around at the higher average annual salary (AAV) he'll be asking for on his next contract. Marner, who turns 27 on May 5, is currently finishing the fifth of a six-year deal that pays $10.9 million per season.

Along with fellow forwards Auston Matthews, John Tavares and William Nylander, Marner is a member of Toronto high-profile "Core Four" that has produced in the regular season. But once the playoffs start, everything has fallen apart repeatedly. The Leafs have won just one postseason series in the last 20 years.

Matthews and Nylander are going nowhere as they are locked into long-term deals. Tavares, like Marner, is heading into the final year of his contract. Marner's price point is just going to keep going up even though he has no postseason success to show for it.

That's a potential reason why the Blackhawks and other teams could be turned off of him this summer. On the other hand, Chicago isn't expected to make the jump into the playoffs just yet anyways.

Marner could be a real help to Connor Bedard as he has been for Matthews. Marner is an elite playmaker, that much is consistent about his game. 

Bedard may be closest comparable to Matthews in terms of a deadly shot. Marner could continue what he does best in Chicago and feed the generational talent lots of pucks in great spots.

Bedard had a mix of linemates last season, but clicked well with Philipp Kurashev, who had a breakout season.

Originally the plan was for Taylor Hall, the NHL's No. 1 draft pick of 2010, to skate alongside the 18-year-old Bedard, the heralded top selection in 2023. Hall had terrific chemistry with 2017 No. 1 draft pick Nico Hischier in New Jersey in 2017-18 and went on to win the Hart Trophy.

But Hall underwent season-ending right ACL surgery in November 2023 and played in just 10 games in 2023-24. Hall, now 32, has resumed skating and training short of full contact. He's determined to show he can still perform at an elite level next season, his final one in a four-year contract that pays $6 million annually.

Bedard needs more high-end talent around him, no matter the name. With other players of Bedard's caliber skating alongside him to elevate his game, Chicago could greatly benefit.

With the Blackhawks looking to take a step forward now, a player like Marner would definitely help them move up and add offense the group didn't have in 2023-24.

There may be a better argument for the Blackhawks to avoid bringing in Marner in an offseason trade with the Maple Leafs.

First, it depends on what Toronto wants in return. Giving up prime draft choices runs contrary to Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson's rebuilding philosophy.

And unless the Blackhawks are prepared to sign Marner at a high price for at least four years, he will probably leave in free agency after next season when his contract expires. A free agent like him attracts a lot of attention despite his struggles in the playoffs this year and "soft" style of hockey.

The Blackhawks could use his cap hit next season to get above the cap floor easier, but at the same time would have to pay a hefty price to bring him in. If the Maple Leafs do move Marner, the team won't just be giving him away. There's also a full no-move clause on Marner's contract, so he would have to waive that to go anywhere.

The Blackhawks have a lot of assets (high draft picks and good prospects), but it isn't worth acquiring Marner if he's a one-and-done addition. At the very least, it would cost an equivalent to a first-round pick and more to even start the conversation with Toronto, and there likely wouldn't be any contract guarantees involved. 

Marner would likely push Kurashev off the top line with Bedard, hurting Kurashev's play. There wouldn't be a point in bringing in Marner if he wasn't going to play on Bedard's line at five-on-five and on the power play.

While it would be difficult enough for the Blackhawks to properly execute a trade for Marner where it benefits them more than hurts them in the long run, he is an elite passer, something Bedard needs. Having Hall back next season will help and the Blackhawks could always go fishing elsewhere for a better supporting cast.

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