The NHL offseason is always rife with speculation, but this year, the buzz surrounding Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs has reached a fever pitch. As rumors swirl about Marner’s potential departure, one intriguing scenario has captured the attention of both fans and analysts: the possibility of the star winger making his way to the Montreal Canadiens.

Fueling this speculation is a recent statement from Canadiens executive Jeff Gorton, who openly discussed the impact a 100-point winger could have on Montreal’s struggling second line. With Gorton hinting at a major acquisition and Marner’s future in Toronto increasingly uncertain, the connection seems almost too compelling to ignore. Could the Habs be positioning themselves for a blockbuster move that would bring one of the league’s most dynamic forwards to Montreal?

As the offseason drama unfolds, the idea of Marner donning the bleu-blanc-rouge is no longer just a fantasy—it’s a real possibility that could reshape the Canadiens’ lineup and ignite a new era of excitement in Montreal.

Photo of Mitch Marner and Jeff Gorton

Photo credit: NHL

With everything going on right now regarding star forward Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs, it reminded me of something.

During the Canadiens’ end-of-season press conference, Jeff Gorton made a big statement to the media, saying that a 100-point winger could potentially be the solution for Montreal’s second line.

And with everything suggesting the Canadiens want to make a big move..

And with Jeff Gorton having spoken of a possible big acquisition on the wing for the second line, it immediately made me think of Marner.

Acquiring a 100-point winger for the Montreal Canadiens: Was Jeff Gorton talking about Mitch Marner?

Let’s recall exactly what he said.

“If you look across the league, there are players who aren’t necessarily centers but who produce 100 points and are the catalysts of their line,” he said.

“There’s more than one way to get where we want to go.”

– Jeff Gorton, TVA Sports

While everyone is talking about acquiring a center for the second line, “a winger could be the one to lift the Habs’ second line out of its slump,” according to Jeff Gorton’s comments.

Is that 100-point winger named Mitch Marner?

We know that all signs point to him leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he’ll most likely be an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

“Chris Johnston: “Growing sense” Marner would like a fresh start with a different team this offseason”

– The Athletic

So this could be a real possibility for Montreal.

In any case, it raises an interesting thought.