As the NHL free agency period draws near, speculation surrounding Mitch Marner’s next move is reaching a fever pitch. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ star forward, set to become an unrestricted free agent, has been the subject of intense rumors linking him to several high-profile teams across the league.

While the hockey world has focused on contenders like the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings, a surprising new suitor has emerged from the West Coast, adding an unexpected twist to Marner’s unfolding story. The San Jose Sharks, armed with a wealth of cap space and a promising young core, are reportedly preparing to make a serious push for the dynamic winger.

With Marner seemingly ready to close the chapter on his tenure in Toronto—especially after the cancellation of his annual charity event—the possibility of him joining a rebuilding Sharks team presents a fascinating new narrative. As fans and analysts alike try to predict where Marner will land, all eyes are now on San Jose, a franchise eager to make a major splash and recapture the spotlight in the upcoming free agency frenzy.

Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner in game action

Photo credit: The Leafs Nation

While there are several potential suitors for Toronto Maple Leafs pending UFA forward Mitch Marner, one surprise team on the West Coast is reportedly interested.

One of the main storylines as the NHL free agency period approaches is going to be what Toronto Maple Leafs pending UFA forward Mitch Marner decides to do.

By all indications, it appears as though Marner has closed the door on the Maple Leafs’ chapter of his career and is ready to move on to a new team, especially after he cancelled his annual charity event in Toronto.

He’s been linked to several teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, and even the Utah Mammoth.

However, a new surprise team has reportedly shown interest in signing Marner, and it’s the same team who previously tried to sign Marner’s teammate (and fellow pending UFA) John Tavares in the summer of 2018.

Per NHL analyst Chris Johnston, the San Jose Sharks are going to attempt to reach out to Marner.

The Sharks, who hold the No. 2 overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and who already selected Macklin Celebrini last summer with the 1st overall pick, have over $41 million worth of cap space to work with and could present Marner with a formidable offer that would be hard to turn down.

Not only would he get to play with a young player like Celebrini, but would also have far less pressure upon his shoulders as opposed to the media fish bowl of Toronto.

The Sharks were one of a handful of teams who pressed hard to sign Tavares in 2018, even reportedly offering him an AAV (average annual value) of $13 million over 7 years.

Tavares would choose to sign with the Maple Leafs instead – and now, the Sharks could have a prime chance to take another swing for the fences in free agency.