As the NHL offseason heats up, all eyes are on Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner and the swirling rumors about his next destination. With unrestricted free agency looming and speculation running rampant, the hockey world is buzzing about the possibility of Marner making a blockbuster move to a surprise contender in the Western Conference.

The Dallas Stars, despite their tight salary cap situation, have emerged as an unexpected suitor, fueling excitement and debate among fans and insiders alike. Recent reports suggest Marner may be open to a shorter-term, high-value contract, a strategy that could open doors for teams previously considered out of the running. With big names and big money potentially on the move, the stage is set for one of the most dramatic offseasons in recent NHL memory.

Photo credit: Ohio 1st Battery

Mitch Marner may be hitting unrestricted free agency this summer and could head to an unexpected contender in the west with little cap space: the Dallas Stars.

In a recent article for The Athletic, insider Pierre LeBrun shared some new rumors about Mitch Marner and his next NHL home.

First, LeBrun indicated that Marner could sign for 2-4 years instead of seven and then get even more money on the market later down the road.

“The rumor du jour – and it is very much that, as I’ve not confirmed it but have heard it now from two teams – is that one option Mitch Marner is considering is a two-year deal at around $12 million to $13 million per year, positioning him to hit the market again when the salary cap skyrockets to $113 million or higher in a couple of years.” – Pierre LeBrun

This cheaper deal with a short term is quite intriguing, as it could allow for some teams who could not sign Marner now to be able to sign him.

One of these teams is the Dallas Stars, as LeBrun mentioned how he could head to the Lone Star State.

“The Stars would be a long-shot fit given their financial commitment to Mikko Rantanen, but never say never.” – Pierre LeBrun

Currently, the Stars have about $2.75 million in cap space and need to sign three more forwards, including their captain Jamie Benn, who will reportedly be staying in Dallas.

For this to happen, the Stars would need to get rid of significant players who make a lot of money, like Jason Robertson and Matt Dumba, who make a combined $11.5 million. It would take some trades but it is possible if the Stars play their cards right.

To sign Marner would give the Stars one of the most loaded forward cores in NHL history and could lead to a Stanley Cup in the near future.