As the NHL free agency period approaches, all eyes are on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner, whose future with the franchise has suddenly become one of the league’s hottest topics. With rumors swirling and speculation intensifying, Marner’s next move could reshape the landscape of the NHL for years to come.

Recent developments suggest that the star winger is on the verge of leaving Toronto, with his camp reportedly declining further discussions with the Leafs and even canceling a much-anticipated charity event in the city. The hockey world is abuzz after insiders revealed details of Marner’s potential contract demands, with whispers of a short-term, big-money deal that would allow him to test the open market again at the height of the league’s expected salary cap boom.

As top contenders like the Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings circle with interest, the stakes have never been higher for both Marner and the teams vying for his services. The next chapter in Marner’s career is about to begin, and the entire NHL is watching closely.

Photo credit: The New York Post

The asking price for pending Toronto Maple Leafs UFA forward Mitch Marner has been revealed by a pair of teams.

By all indications, the Toronto Maple Leafs are set to lose pending UFA forward Mitch Marner on the open market.

Marner’s camp has reportedly declined any recent meetings with the Leafs, and he seemed to confirm his impending departure from the city when he cancelled an annual charity event held in Toronto.

Per NHL analyst Pierre LeBrun, Marner could be considering trying to go for a short-term contract that would once again set him up to cash in after 2-3 years have passed, and he got that information from a pair of unnamed NHL teams.

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.

The risk is injury, of course, but at 28 now, he would be 30 when he is a UFA again if he went that route.

LeBrun then lists the Vegas Golden Knights, the Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings as teams that are said to be high on Marner’s wish list.

The Vegas Golden Knights, the Stars and the Kings are among the teams that I believe are high on Marner’s list. The Stars would be a long-shot fit given their financial commitment to Mikko Rantanen, but never say never.

Marner reached a career-best 102 points (27G, 75A) this year with the Leafs, which may have been his last with the club.