Negotiations between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner for a contract extension for the 2025-26 NHL season have reached a critical point, making it highly likely that the forward, a teammate of star Auston Matthews, will become a free agent starting in July.
It seems unlikely that Matthews will continue to have Marner as a teammate next season, as the 27-year-old forward is entering the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million contract, which carries a $10.9 million cap hit. The Canadian franchise has reportedly set a $13 million annual limit for a potential extension, but Marner has yet to accept the offer.
His no-trade clause complicates the possibility of a deal. In fact, a few months ago he rejected an offer from Toronto’s front office to waive the clause for a potential move to the Carolina Hurricanes. That situation reportedly sparked frustration within the organization. However, the Maple Leafs may now be looking at a former Hurricane as a potential Plan B.
Who could be the Plan B if Marner leaves?
According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, if no deal is reached before free agency opens on July 1, the Maple Leafs are considering trading Marner’s negotiating rights during the final week of June. This would allow Toronto to get some return before the forward hits the market as an unrestricted free agent.
Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs
“There’s still five weeks where [Marner] is the property of the Maple Leafs. They control his rights and I’m sure they’re going to use that time to at least engage in more conversations, see where things are at and maybe, ultimately, we’re talking about them trading his rights at some point. I mean, I think that’s premature to look at that,” TSN Hockey insider Chris Johnston revealed.
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LA Kings reportedly set to make a move for Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews’ teammate
Marner would consider exploring the free agent market
“That’s usually something that happens in the last week or so before July 1st, but I’m sure there’s going to be some conversations between then and now. I don’t think he came this far playing out his contract year to sign a new deal now. I just think he’s of the mind to at least look at the open market,” Johnston said.
