Mitch Marner is about to become a free agent and decide where he’ll play in the 2025–26 NHL season. The 28-year-old forward was a key piece for the Toronto Maple Leafs since 2019, but his contract has ended, and after six seasons, he’s ready to move on from playing alongside Auston Matthews to find a new destination.
Multiple options have emerged for Marner, who reportedly made it clear in recent days that he has no intention of signing with another Canadian franchise, seeking a significant change of scenery. In that regard, his camp continues to narrow down potential suitors.
Marner wants to replicate the chemistry he had with Matthews in Toronto. He knows it won’t be easy to find, but with free agency opening on July 1, time is running out to make a decision. Just hours before becoming available, the star forward has reportedly ruled out two serious contenders.
Which franchises did Marner rule out?
According to NHL insider Peter LeBrun of TSN, two teams appear to be off Marner’s list as of now. “I don’t think Carolina (Hurricanes) and Columbus (Blue Jackets) would be on his list; it’s still developing, teams will come out of obscurity on this,” he reported.
A dejected Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs leaves the ice for the last time this season after losing to the Florida Panthers in Game Seven of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The decision is surprising, as the Hurricanes had been considered one of the most aggressive suitors for Marner this offseason. Reports even indicated that Carolina was preparing a “massive offer” to land the Maple Leafs star forward.
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NHL News: Golden Knights willing to go all-in to land Mitch Marner after his exit from Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs
Which teams are still in the race for Marner?
LeBrun added that the Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, LA Kings, and Anaheim Ducks remain seriously interested in signing Marner for next season. The 102 points he recorded last year as Matthews’ linemate make him one of the most coveted assets on the market.
