The swirling rumors surrounding Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to dominate NHL headlines as the off-season approaches. A potential blockbuster trade involving the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes has been revealed, while other teams are reportedly dropping out of the Marner sweepstakes. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments:
Vegas Golden Knights' Interest and a Thwarted Three-Team Deal
The Vegas Golden Knights have been keen on acquiring Marner for quite some time, with reports indicating their interest dates back to the summer of 2024. According to The Athletic's James Mirtle, the Golden Knights were involved in a nearly finalized three-team trade at the 2025 trade deadline. The proposed deal would have sent Marner to Vegas, with the Carolina Hurricanes sending Mikko Rantanen to Toronto. However, the deal fell apart because Vegas and Carolina couldn't agree on the compensation Carolina would receive.
The Golden Knights' pursuit of Marner signals their intent to add a high-caliber player to their roster. However, acquiring Marner, who could command a contract exceeding $13 million per season, would require the Golden Knights to shed salary. William Karlsson's name has emerged as a potential trade candidate to create the necessary cap space.
Carolina Hurricanes: A Possible Destination?
Despite a previous report suggesting Marner declined to waive his no-movement clause for a trade to Carolina at the deadline, the Hurricanes could still be in the mix. They possess considerably more cap space than Vegas, making them a competitive bidder if Marner hits free agency. With their overall roster depth, the Hurricanes may present a better opportunity for Marner to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Other Rumors and Potential Landing Spots
While the Golden Knights and Hurricanes appear to be strong contenders, other teams have also been linked to Marner. The Los Angeles Kings were initially considered frontrunners, but recent reports have dismissed this possibility. As July 1 approaches, more teams could emerge as potential destinations for the skilled winger.
Leafs' Perspective and Potential Replacements
As Marner's future remains uncertain, the Maple Leafs are exploring various options. The team may consider re-signing Max Pacioretty, who is reportedly leaning towards returning to Toronto. Additionally, the Leafs could target other free agents to bolster their forward depth.
Other NHL Rumblings
Beyond the Marner saga, other notable rumors are circulating around the league. Sam Bennett, fresh off a strong playoff performance with the Florida Panthers, is expected to stay with the team. Negotiations for a new contract could reach an average annual value of $8 million. Also, collective bargaining talks between the NHL and the NHL Players' Association are progressing well, with a new CBA potentially announced soon.
The coming weeks promise to be eventful as teams position themselves for the upcoming season. With Marner's future still up in the air and other key players potentially on the move, the NHL landscape could look significantly different come October.
