Both Mitch Marner and John Tavares are reportedly being targeted as high-priced free options for a rebuilding team looking at a star.

According to Mark Lazerus of ‘The Athletic’, the Chicago Blackhawks could be intense bidders for Marner or Tavares, along with a multitude of potential other options.

Mark Lazerus of the Atheltic suggests the Chicago Blackhawks could shift their focus to next offseason and bringing in several big name UFA’s.

He specifically name drops Mitch Marner, Brock Boeser, John Tavares, Shea Theodore, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Aaron Ekblad and mentions «things could get interesting very quickly»

The Blackhawks, led by star youngster Connor Bedard, are looking to add an impact player alongside Bedard and a young core, and will likely push for top talent, especially proven veteran talents.

Along with Marner and Tavares, Lazerus also names fellow forwards Brock Boeser & Nikolaj Ehlers and defensemen Shea Theodore and Aaron Ekblad. Chicago has the cap space to target multiple players as free agents if they wish to.

Both Marner and Tavares are free agents at the end of next season. Tavares, the Leafs captain, is likely to return to Toronto, while Marner, who expressed his desire to return, could be on the trade block as the Leafs try to extend their playoff window further, even if it means moving on from one of the two.

Mitch Marner, 27, had 29 goals, 56 assists & 85 points in 69 games played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2023-24 NHL season.

John Tavares, 33, had 29 goals, 36 assists & 65 points in 80 games played in the 2023-24 NHL season for Toronto.