Blockbuster alert: Mark Lazerus reveals potential trade involving Blackhawks
Photo credit: NHL.com
Blackhawks eye potential free agents Tavares and Marner amid rebuilding efforts.
In an intriguing twist for the Chicago Blackhawks, reporter Mark Lazerus of The Athletic has shed light on the team's potential interest in John Tavares and Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
As key figures in Toronto, both players are nearing the end of their contracts, setting the stage for what could be a transformative offseason for Chicago.
Tavares, serving as the captain of the Maple Leafs, along with the high-scoring Marner, faces the possibility of free agency in July if negotiations with Toronto's GM Brad Treliving don't lead to new contracts.
Their availability could spark a significant shift for teams looking to bolster their rosters, including the Blackhawks, who are currently navigating through a rebuilding phase.
Lazerus highlighted the broader implications of the upcoming free agency period, noting the inclusion of other notable players like Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers in the mix.
«With Mitch Marner, Brock Boeser, Nikolaj Ehlers, John Tavares, Shea Theodore, and Aaron Ekblad among the players slated for unrestricted free agency next summer, just as players such as Oliver Moore and Levshunov are ready to break into the NHL for good, things could get interesting very quickly,» he reported.
Last season, Tavares and Marner notched 65 and 85 points, respectively, underscoring their critical roles. Yet despite the Blackhawks' interest, both players have expressed a strong desire to remain in Toronto.
Marner, a Toronto native, and Tavares, who moved from the New York Islanders, have deep ties to the city and its team, complicating potential moves.
As next summer approaches, all eyes will be on Treliving's decisions regarding the future of these key players. Will he secure their talents for the Maple Leafs long-term, or will the Blackhawks manage to swoop in and steer the duo to Chicago?
Only time will tell how these negotiations will unfold, setting the stage for a possibly dramatic shift in the NHL landscape.
| POLL | ||
10 AOUT | 24 ANSWERS Blockbuster alert: Mark Lazerus reveals potential trade involving Blackhawks Which player would you rather receive from the Leafs? | ||
| Tavares | 5 | 20.8 % |
| Marner | 19 | 79.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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