Mitch Marner is constantly thinking about his future, which now seems increasingly likely to be away from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Contract extension talks have stalled, and the possibility of testing the free agency market is becoming more real. In this context, the forward has reportedly narrowed down his preferred destinations to the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers — the two 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Finalists.
All options remain on the table for Marner, who, at 28, appears ready to end his long run with the Maple Leafs. The longtime teammate of Auston Matthews has begun sharing some of his conditions for the upcoming season, knowing that several teams are eager to land him.
Earlier reports suggested that Marner is not interested in joining any Canadian franchise, as he’s looking for a complete change of scenery. Now, it’s been revealed that he wants to compete for a Stanley Cup, which is why he’s focused on the Oilers and Panthers.
Which team is Marner’s top choice?
According to NHL insider James Mirtle of The Athletic, Marner already has a preferred destination: “The Florida Panthers are at the top of his list of preferred teams,” Mirtle said, offering more clarity on the forward’s future.
Although Florida might seem like an ideal landing spot for Marner, it remains unclear whether the Panthers would be willing to meet his salary expectations, reportedly between $12 and $14 million per year. If they do, it would undoubtedly be one of the blockbuster moves of the offseason.
A possible star swap between Toronto and Florida
If Marner ends up in Florida, it could open the door to a fascinating star-for-star switch. While the Panthers could land the veteran winger, reports indicate the Maple Leafs are seriously interested in making a strong offer for superstar Brad Marchand. The potential swap would be a storyline to watch closely this summer.