The NHL world is buzzing with shock and excitement after Mitch Marner’s latest revelation sent shockwaves through the hockey community. The Toronto Maple Leafs superstar has reportedly unveiled a closely guarded list of seven teams he would consider signing with, and whispers from league insiders suggest the Montreal Canadiens are firmly in his sights.

This stunning development has ignited a firestorm of speculation about Marner’s future, with fans and analysts alike scrambling to predict what could come next. As rumors swirl about a potential blockbuster deal, the possibility of Marner donning a Canadiens jersey is fueling dreams in Montreal and striking fear into rival fanbases across the league. With so much uncertainty and anticipation hanging in the air, all eyes are now fixed on the next move in this high-stakes saga, as the Marner sweepstakes threaten to reshape the NHL landscape in ways no one saw coming.

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Unless there’s an unexpected signing, Mitch Marner will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, and the Montreal Canadiens will be free to take a shot.

After putting up 102 points during the 2024-25 regular season, it’s very likely that the Canadian forward will earn a minimum of $12 million per year on his next contract-and we’re starting to get a sense of where he wants to play.

According to a well-known insider, that destination could be far, very far from Toronto.

David Pagnotta published via The Fourth Period a list of teams that reportedly interest Marner, and unsurprisingly, it includes the three California teams and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Mitch Marner has compiled a list of 7 or 8 teams he would agree to sign with: is the Montreal Canadiens on that list?

This is coming from a solid source.

Dave Pagnotta: “Mitch Marner has a list of 7 or 8 teams he’s looking at, including Vegas and Los Angeles. San Jose, Columbus and Anaheim are preparing big offers as well”

– The Fourth Period

Looking at the teams Pagnotta mentioned, it’s clear that Marner fully intends to play in a market where the pressure is far lighter than what he faced in Toronto.

Let’s not forget that after the Maple Leafs were eliminated in the second round by the Florida Panthers, many Toronto fans singled him out as one of the main culprits behind the team’s playoff failures.

We’re eager to see how this story unfolds – even if Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens remain long shots. The Habs aren’t seen as frontrunners, but they’re still expected to give it a shot.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period talking with Jeff Marek on The Sheet about Mitch Marner:

“I think Calgary will express interest, I think the Montreal Canadiens will express interest.”

And you-do you still believe, despite the odds?