Mitch Marner’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is getting murkier by the day. With trade talks heating up and free agency on the horizon, a new twist has emerged — one that might sting Canadian hockey fans.
According to an NHL insider, if Marner does reach free agency, he’s likely to steer clear of all Canadian teams and instead focus on U.S.-based contenders. It’s a move that could shake up the market and force the Leafs to rethink their long-term plans.
Marner Expected to Hit Free Agency, Avoid Canadian Teams
It’s starting to look more and more like Marner’s time in Toronto is winding down. Despite putting up a career-high 102 points last season and spending his entire NHL career with the Maple Leafs, the 28-year-old winger is reportedly preparing to test the open market next summer.
According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, there’s a growing sense that Marner is “very, very likely” to explore free agency instead of re-signing with Toronto.
“In my opinion, it is more likely Mitch Marner tests the market than re-signs in Toronto.”@PierreVLeBrun shares his perspective on Marner’s future with the Maple Leafs and his interest from around the NHL.#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/plxICgeqcB
— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) May 22, 2025
LeBrun said, “In my opinion, it is more likely Mitch Marner tests the market than re-signs in Toronto.” He added, “I think pretty much it’s a done deal [Mitch Marner] is going to market; very, very likely.”
Playing in a hockey-obsessed city like Toronto, where every shift is closely analyzed and every loss turns into a talking point, might be wearing thin on Marner. LeBrun even hinted that the questions are now about how badly Marner wants to win compared to how much he wants to cash in.
What’s Next for Marner and Toronto?
Adding to the speculation, Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff reports that Marner isn’t considering any of the six other Canadian franchises — Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, or Montreal — as possible destinations. That takes a big chunk of teams out of the running and points to a move to the United States.
The Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, and Los Angeles Kings are some of the U.S.-based teams that could benefit from a player of Marner’s skill. These teams have the cap space to make a big offer and could use a game-changer like Marner in their lineup.
LeBrun noted that in a free agent class that’s short on elite players, Marner could be the only star-caliber player available in a market where several teams are desperate for one.
Whether it’s the appeal of a quieter market, better tax situations, or just a fresh start, Marner seems ready to leave behind the blue-and-white jersey. For Toronto, it signals a potential roster shake-up. For the rest of the NHL, the Marner sweepstakes could be one of the biggest stories to follow this summer.
As July 1 gets closer, fans in Toronto—and across the league — will be watching to see how it all plays out.
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