The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for a busy offseason, with the spotlight firmly on rebuilding the roster ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season. The situation surrounding star forward Mitch Marner continues to draw all the attention, as his potential departure has caught the eye of multiple franchises.
Marner has been a key offensive pillar for the team, posting an impressive 102 points during the 2024–25 season, but his future lies outside Toronto. The 28-year-old forward is set to test the free-agent market following the breakdown in talks with the Maple Leafs.
The relationship between Marner and the Leafs appears to have reached a dead end, as both the player and his camp have hinted there are no ongoing negotiations with the team. Meanwhile, multiple and unexpected opportunities are beginning to emerge for his future.
Teams showing interest in Marner
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, three franchises have shown surprising interest in Marner. “Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary will poke around on Mitch Marner, but it’s not expected Marner signs with a Canadian team,” Pagnotta said, according to Leafs Morning Take.
Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts after losing to the Florida Panthers 6-1 in Game Seven of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 18, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
A few days ago, reports surfaced that Marner wants a complete change of scenery and has decided not to sign with any Canadian franchise for the upcoming season. Instead, his next move is expected to take him to a U.S.-based team, with more specific possibilities now coming into focus.
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Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs have reportedly accepted their fate ahead of NHL free agency
Marner’s potential next destination
In line with his preferences, it has been reported that the 28-year-old Maple Leafs forward is open to joining a team from the Western Conference. Among the potential landing spots are the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings, who are believed to be front-runners in the race to acquire Marner.
