The Stanley Cup Final is upon us.
For the second straight season, the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers will go head-to-head in a rematch for the Stanley Cup. And, as the National Hockey League skates into June, the media circus surrounding the sport only amps up. NHL insider David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period is packing his bags for Edmonton in preparation for his Stanley Cup Final coverage.
In the midst of it all, Pagnotta has also written that Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner is on his way to free agency and laid out a few of his options.
Mitch Marner’s Future Landing Spot
According to Pagnotta, it’s a given that Marner is approaching free agency and will become one of the most notable free-agent forwards in some time. Marner apparently hasn’t fully closed the door on returning to Toronto’s roster, but he is certainly seeking to evaluate his options.
According to reports, Marner is expected to garner $14 million per year, while an efficient contract would be closer to $12 million. While — sure — there are legitimate arguments for Marner’s regular-season value, any team hoping to contend with acquiring him is going to have to offer a top-dollar figure.
In the regular season, Marner finished as the team leader with 27 goals and 75 assists in 81 games played for a whopping total of 102 points. In the playoffs this year for the Maple Leafs, he also tallied 13 points in an even 13 games played.
Marner has also won the Memorial Cup and is a three-time All-Star. The Canadian native additionally holds the record for the fastest player in Maple Leafs history to reach 600 career wins.
Welcome to the 600 points club, Mitch Marner! 👏
He is now the fastest player in @MapleLeafs history to reach 600 career points. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kntKwfqVs2
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 15, 2024
Pagnotta reports that pretty much every NHL team will show interest in Marner if and when he becomes available. However, he believes Marner has a list of seven or eight teams he will prefer to go to if/when the offers are in place.
Which club is at the top of the list? Apparently, that answer is the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
This is because the Golden Knights have just over $9.6 million in salary cap space and are also looking to fill holes in their roster (Marner’s position of right wing included). Apparently, multiple sources have also indicated to Pagnotta that Vegas has already started to engage in trade discussions surrounding other players.
In short, a jump from Toronto to Vegas is looking somewhat likely for Marner’s future in the league.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
