Over a week since the Toronto Maple Leafs' elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs, the focus of Leafs Nation has shifted toward Mitch Marner's future.
The 28-year-old right winger is UFA-eligible on July 1 and was noncommittal about returning to Toronto during the Leafs' end-of-season media availability. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley indicated Friday that the club is taking a wait-and-see approach regarding Marner's plans.
As Marner ponders his future with his family, there is growing speculation over his potential destinations if he tests the free-agent market.
The Hockey News’ Ryan Kennedy listed the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins as possible landing spots. He noted that the three rebuilding clubs have the cap space to sign Marner to a long-term contract with a hefty raise. The Penguins also have the advantage of GM Kyle Dubas' ties to Marner during his tenure with the Leafs.
Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon included the Blackhawks and Penguins on his list. He also mentioned the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Islanders, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals.
Meanwhile, Sean O'Leary of The Score had the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers among his list of possible suitors for Marner.
Like the Blackhawks, Red Wings and Penguins, the Kings, Ducks, Mammoth, Sabres and Hurricanes possess the cap room to comfortably sign Marner. However, there's no guarantee that most of them will get into the bidding or have a chance of landing Marner.
The Blackhawks, Red Wings, Ducks, Penguins, Mammoth, and Sabres are in various stages of rebuilding, with the Wings and Sabres mired in lengthy playoff droughts. They might not interest Marner if he prefers signing with a contender, and he might not suit their respective roster needs.
Meanwhile, the Islanders could begin retooling their roster under new GM Mathieu Darche. Marner would provide a much-needed boost to their offense, but they lack the cap room to sign him. The Kings are also under new management, but GM Ken Holland could balk at shelling out over $13 million annually on one player.
Cap space will be an issue for the Golden Knights, Avalanche and Capitals unless they're willing to shed salary to make room for Marner. However, that could weaken their overall depth.
Carolina could be the best match. In a March interview with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, GM Eric Tulsky said he'd have around $20 million in cap space if he re-signed all his free agents.
The Hurricanes also offered Mikko Rantanen to the Leafs straight up for Marner at the trade deadline before moving Rantanen to Dallas. Tulsky could try again if the Leafs winger is available on July 1.
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