NHL News: Devils legend and 3x Stanley Cup champion sends harsh message to Mitch Marner amid Maple Leafs exit

The Toronto Maple Leafs are beginning to say goodbye to their star Mitch Marner ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season. According to both the franchise and the player’s camp, his situation will be resolved during the offseason, as he becomes a free agent on July 1. In this context, a former Stanley Cup champion with the New Jersey Devils has weighed in with a strong opinion.

Marner’s story and his NHL future are at the center of discussion as the offseason approaches. That atmosphere has drawn in notable figures from around the league, especially former champions whose experience gives weight to their opinions.

This is the case with Ken Daneyko, a Stanley Cup winner in 1995, 2000, and 2003 with the Devils, who sharply criticized Marner’s reported salary demands, which are said to be around $14 million per year. The 28-year-old forward is ready to test the market, with clear expectations in mind.

Daneyko’s criticism of Marner

“We’re here to give opinions, right? I’m not giving Mitch Marner $14 million in a million years,” Daneyko said bluntly about the Maple Leafs forward’s expectations during an interview on NHL Network’s “NHL Tonight” on Friday night.

Ken Daneyko former player of the New Jersey Devils

“He’s incredibly skilled, nearly a 100-point player year in and year out. In today’s NHL, with how close the competition is and how tight the cap can be, you need more than just regular-season production,” Daneyko added with another critical take on Marner.

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NHL News: Mitch Marner closer to deciding his future amid imminent Maple Leafs exit

Marner’s future remains uncertain

Every day brings new developments regarding Marner’s NHL future. The highly coveted 28-year-old forward, who scored 27 goals last season, is reportedly being closely pursued by the Carolina Hurricanes, as well as other franchises like the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights. Meanwhile, Toronto won’t prevent one of its stars from exploring the free agent market, so updates are expected soon.