Mitch Marner appears to be on his way out of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and each day, a new franchise emerges showing interest in signing the 28-year-old forward. Auston Matthews is inevitably set to lose a key linemate and will face the 2025–26 NHL season with new faces around him.
While reports suggest that Matthews’ Maple Leafs are aiming to make a bold offseason move by pursuing Brad Marchand in an effort to reshape the franchise’s identity, Marner seems to be slipping further away. His 27 goals from last season are likely to find a new home very soon.
Marner’s contract demands are estimated between $12 and $14 million per year, which means any interested team needs significant cap space to land a player of his caliber. As a free agent with elite offensive talent, he naturally draws attention, and now a new franchise is emerging as a potential suitor with a strong offer.
The new team in the Marner sweepstakes
According to NHL insider Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Columbus Blue Jackets have now entered the race to sign Marner. “They’re likely to go after him, but there will be heavy competition,” Portzline reported. A new chapter begins in what promises to be a multi-layered saga.
The Blue Jackets indeed face stiff competition, but they also have the cap space to offer Marner a high-profile deal and a spot on their top-six line. Other franchises like the Carolina Hurricanes and Los Angeles Kings also meet the criteria to make a legitimate push for the star winger.
Marner’s personal preferences
Not everything in this story revolves around franchise interest—Marner himself has preferences. The Maple Leafs forward is reportedly not interested in signing with another Canadian team, and has even identified the Florida Panthers as an ideal destination for his future. Still, his situation remains wide open.