NHL

NHL News: Mitch Marner draws interest from new team making a bold bid to take him from the Maple Leafs

A new and unexpected NHL team is making a strong push to sign Mitch Marner, who appears to be increasingly out of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ future plans.

Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs
© Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty ImagesMitch Marner of the Maple Leafs

Mitch Marner continues to draw interest from most NHL franchises, as they closely follow his imminent departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is expected to finish out his contract and become a free agent in July. So far, talks between the forward and the Canadian franchise show no signs of leading to a new deal.

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Marner has been a key piece in the Maple Leafs’ offense, racking up 102 points (27 goals and 75 assists) during the 2024–25 season. He has totaled 739 points in 656 regular-season games with the franchise. His performance has made him one of the most coveted free agents for the upcoming season.

Initially, the winger and longtime linemate of Auston Matthews had expressed a desire to remain in Toronto. However, that was never part of the Maple Leafs’ long-term plans. In fact, they even floated him as a trade piece back in January. Now, more and more teams are entering the conversation—some with better odds than others.

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Which new team is interested in Marner?

The latest team showing interest in Marner is none other than the Utah Mammoth, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. The newly established franchise has plenty of assets and enough cap space to make a serious push to sign the Maple Leafs forward.

Mitch Marner

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.

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Despite being a brand-new franchise, the Mammoth have emerged as a serious player in free agency, eager to make a statement. Their goal is to quickly establish themselves in the league’s power structure.

NHL News: Mitch Marner likely to part ways with Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs and decide between two teams

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It’s more than just mild interest

“Utah isn’t just interested—they could be one of the most aggressive suitors for the 28-year-old winger,” Friedman said regarding the possibility of Marner joining the Mammoth. For now, what’s clear is that the forward who once skated alongside Matthews in Toronto is ready for a major change and has no interest in joining another Canadian franchise.

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