Struggling Western Conference Team Named ‘Team to Watch’ for Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With the NHL offseason fast approaching and Mitch Marner on track to become the best unrestricted free agent available on July 1, speculation around the Toronto Maple Leafs forward’s next team has accelerated.
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The 28-year-old just completed a six-year, $65.4 million contract and could leave Toronto, where scrutiny and pressure have followed him his entire career.
The conversation around potential landing spots has largely focused on familiar destinations like the Vegas Golden Knights, who already tried to acquire him recently, but a new suitor has emerged.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli identified the struggling Anaheim Ducks, who have failed to make the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons, as a team to watch closely in the coming weeks.
Speaking on Sportsnet 590’s “The FAN Morning Show,” Seravalli pointed to Anaheim’s two biggest assets in any pitch to Marner: cap space and discretion.
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“The Anaheim Ducks are a team to watch for Mitch Marner in addition to Vegas,” Seravalli said, per @NHLRumourReport. “Anaheim offers more anonymity and is willing to pay big money.”
The Ducks are entering a pivotal stage in their rebuild. According to PuckPedia, Anaheim has over $38 million in projected cap space and recently hired veteran coach Joel Quenneville to lead a new era.
Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon already linked the Ducks to Marner, assuming the winger gets to free agency on July 1.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) looks up at the scoreboard against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
According to Seravalli, the club is among the few willing to push into the $15 million-per-season range to sign Marner, potentially topping at a maximum offer of seven years in term with a total value north of $100 million.
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“Anonymity and financial power,” Seravalli said. “Those are two of the biggest things the Ducks can offer.”
Related: Maple Leafs GM Makes ‘Emotional’ Admission About Discussion With Mitch Marner
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.