NHL News: Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner reportedly eyes two possible destinations on his way out of Toronto

Following the dramatic ending to the NHL season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, star Mitch Marner and the organization face a big decision, as the former 4th overall pick in the 2015 Draft will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. According to recent reports, Marner has made up his mind and set his sights on two possible teams.

Marner and the Maple Leafs felt like a fairy tale in the NHL. The hometown kid from Markham, Ontario — just an hour’s drive away from Scotiabank Arena — was selected fourth overall by Toronto in 2015 and would go on to sign a six-year contract extension with the team in 2019. However, it seems like the two parties have reached the end of the road, with each heading their separate ways.

“In my opinion, it is more likely Mitch Marner tests the market than re-signs in Toronto,” insider Pierre LeBrun said. “I think pretty much it’s a done deal [Mitch Marner] is going to market; very, very likely.”

Marner is reportedly seeking a contract in the neighborhood of a $12–13 million salary, and although not many teams can spend that much on just one player, the Maple Leafs star might have narrowed his interest down to two teams.

Marner’s desired destinations

According to reports from LeBrun, “[Marner] will probably look at the usual suspects. Florida [Panthers], Vegas [Golden Knights], all the teams that we always end up keen on, where players seem to love to go.”

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However, the Golden Knights and Panthers might not be willing to sign Marner to such an expensive deal, especially after they managed to do just fine in the postseason without a player like Marner, who hasn’t actually proven his worth in the biggest moments so far in his career.

Which teams are after Marner?

The 28-year-old forward would be wise to either take a pay cut in Vegas or Florida or negotiate with other teams in more desperate situations for a 100-point scorer in the regular season.

Teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks are leading the race for Marner at the moment. Because they don’t offer a clear shot at a championship like other teams do, they might be willing to foot the bill for Marner’s ludicrous salary.

Toronto is still wary

While reports from insiders and analysts around the NHL state Marner will test free agency almost as a sure thing, the Maple Leafs are still carefully considering their cards.

“Is it 100% you’re testing free agency on July 1, or is there a conversation to be had here? That’s the first thing Toronto wants to know — and once they get that answer, they’ll decide how to move forward,” insider Elliotte Friedman said about the Marner situation during the latest episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast.

Leaving the Great White North

Although it seems highly likely Marner won’t don the Maple Leafs’ colors next season, he has apparently made a decision out of respect for his childhood club — or perhaps to avoid another dramatic tenure in a Canadian market.

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“Speaking with one executive, there is a belief that [Marner] will not want to play in Canada should he leave [Toronto],” Daily Faceoff insider Anthony Di Marco stated on his X account, formerly Twitter.

Therefore, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Montreal would appear to be places where Marner won’t be living in the 2025–26 NHL season, as also reported by YardBarker.

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