With all signs pointing towards Mitch Marner becoming an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming NHL offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs star will reportedly be heavily pursued by one rebuilding franchise. According to reports, Marner could surpass Auston Matthews‘ contract, which is currently the biggest in the league.
Matthews currently earns $13.25M annually with the Maple Leafs—the most expensive deal in the NHL, until Leon Draisaitl’s eight-year, $112M contract extension kicks in on July 1st with an annual income of $14M.
However, with Marner set to test NHL free agency, several teams in dire need of a superstar winger like him are preparing to act. Desperate times call for desperate measures—and some franchises might be ready to offer the 28-year-old a record-breaking contract to secure his services.
Reportedly, one California franchise stands out as the most eager to sign Marner—none other than the Anaheim Ducks, who appear more wealthy than mighty these days in the NHL. They’re said to be preparing a flamboyant offer to lure the star winger in Toronto.
Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs
According to The Athletic‘s James Mirtle, the Ducks are rumored to be the highest bidders in the Marner sweepstakes, reportedly preparing an offer north of the $14 million mark. If it comes to fruition, Marner would become the highest-paid player in the NHL.
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NHL News: Auston Matthews’ key Maple Leafs teammate has reportedly taken firm stance on future ahead of free agency
40 miles make a big difference
Less than 40 miles separate Honda Center, home of the Anaheim Ducks, and Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Kings. Yet, the two franchises appear to be worlds apart in the race for Marner. While many had pegged Los Angeles as a strong contender to land the Maple Leafs UFA, a recent report has firmly ruled them out of the running.
“One source close to the ground floor on the situation had this to say on Los Angeles being the front-runner, ‘That Marner to LA report is pure rubbish,’“ Elite Prospects insider Cam Robinson stated.
Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs is interviewed during the 2022 NHL player media tour at Encore Las Vegas on September 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What could have been
The 2024-25 NHL season had no shortage of emotions, both on and off the ice. However, fans recently learned they were deprived from a truly earth-shaking three-way trade.
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Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly have preferred option between Panthers’ Marchand and Bennett as Marner replacement
According to James Mirtle, the Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Vegas Golden Knights nearly finalized a three-way trade that would have sent Mitch Marner to Vegas and Mikko Rantanen to Toronto.
However, the deal ultimately fell through—Rantanen ended up in Dallas, while Marner suffered yet another gut-wrenching playoff exit and now appears poised to leave town.
SurveyIf they had traded for Rantanen, would the Maple Leafs had won the Stanley Cup?
If they had traded for Rantanen, would the Maple Leafs had won the Stanley Cup?
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It’s no use crying over spilled milk, yet fans in Toronto can’t help but wonder and daydream about what could have been for their 2024-25 season if ‘The Moose’ had joined the team for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
