As the countdown to NHL free agency and the draft intensifies, the spotlight is firmly on Mitch Marner and the mounting speculation surrounding his future. With rumors swirling and insiders weighing in, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ star winger has quickly become one of the most coveted names on the market.

Among the teams reportedly circling, the Dallas Stars have emerged as a particularly intriguing contender, potentially eyeing Marner as a replacement for their own standout scorer, Jason Robertson. With salary cap constraints looming and difficult decisions ahead, Dallas faces a pivotal crossroads that could reshape their roster and the NHL landscape. As teams across the league assess their options and prepare for a bidding war, Marner’s next destination remains one of the biggest storylines of the offseason, promising drama and surprises as July 1 approaches.

Toronto Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner looks upward as he adjusts his helmet

Photo credit: The Hockey News

NHL insider Nick Kypreos revealed that there is a chance the Dallas Stars take a swing at trying to sign Mitch Marner in free agency, to replace Jason Robertson.

With July 1 approaching, the Mitch Marner derby is heating up. Teams across the league are assessing their cap space to prepare for a potential chase of the 100-point winger who also has elite two-way skills.

While a number of teams will likely show interest, intrigue is being directed at the Dallas Stars as a potential suitor.

The Stars are looking to add some fresh scoring bite behind Mikko Rantanen, and NHL insider Nick Kypreos believes they could make a real strong push at Marner, pending what they’re going to do with Jason Robertson.

“Could the Dallas Stars take a run at Mitch Marner? It may depend on whether to re-sign Jason Robertson or cut him loose in a trade.”

– Nick Kypreos

The Stars can’t afford all three of Rantanen, Marner, and Robertson

The 24-year-old right wing has one year left on a four-year, $31 million deal and could command up to $12 million annually on his next contract.

If Dallas determines the cost to be too great, a Robertson trade could set the stage for a massive Marner move.

Half of the league could tender an offer on Marner, says Nick Kypreos, but only several will be strong ones worth considering. Though everybody expects him to hit free agency, a sign-and-trade is still in play with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Either through trade or free agency, Marner has become one of the most fascinating names to watch in the days leading up to this weekend’s NHL Draft and next Tuesday’s free agency opening.