Mitch Marner’s impending free agency has captured significant attention as the market opens on July 1, with many predicting a lucrative contract potentially reaching $100 million. Despite this buzz, three-time Stanley Cup Champion Ken Daneyko is skeptical about the value of Marner’s expected seven-year, $14 million average annual value deal.
Veteran Champion Doubts Marner’s Worth at Proposed Salary
Ken Daneyko openly challenged Marner’s projected contract value during an appearance on NHL Tonight. He expressed strong reservations about the $14 million average annual salary, arguing that despite Marner’s skill and scoring ability, he has yet to demonstrate consistent performance in high-pressure situations.
$14 million, huh? We are here to give opinions, right? I ain’t giving him $14 million in a million years,
Daneyko said.
[It’s] not because I don’t like Mitch Marner, not because he is not one of the most skilled players in national hockey- he gets close to 100 points yearly.
Until you prove to me you can be a big-game player, I don’t care if you have 200 points. I’m not paying you that kind of money.
Daneyko also compared Marner to players like Sam Bennett, currently playing in the Stanley Cup Finals, suggesting Bennett’s performance and reliability make him a more worthwhile investment. Daneyko stated he would rather pay extra for someone who has proven to excel under championship pressure.
Carolina Hurricanes Positioned to Make a Bold Bid for Marner
The Carolina Hurricanes, a team that has hovered near championship success but fallen short, appear ready to aggressively pursue Marner in free agency. After trading away their star Mikko Rantanen, Carolina freed up almost $100 million in cap space, positioning themselves to pursue a marquee signing.
When/if Mitch Marner hits the open market July 1, the expectation is the Carolina Hurricanes are going to take a massive swing to try and sign him,
reported Dan Pagnotta, editor-in-chief of The Fourth Period.
Sources say we shouldn’t be surprised if they go above $14M on an AAV over a 7-year term. UFA market opens in 18 days.
Hockey analyst Jacob Punturi emphasized that signing Marner would correct past misses for the Hurricanes and provide them with a key player in his prime. Punturi highlighted Marner’s potential to be the franchise’s biggest addition since Rantanen and a major factor in finally winning a Stanley Cup.
The move would certainly be a ‘massive swing’ for the Canes, but it’s clear that they are responding to their earlier failures with plans to do even better,
Punturi wrote.
Adding Marner would be the biggest addition to the franchise since Rantanen, and they’d be getting him in his prime. The perennial 100-point scorer would be the perfect addition to a team on the cusp of a championship. His offensive presence could put the team over the top, finally.
Top Five Teams Positioned to Compete for Marner’s Services
Experts predict that five teams are realistically capable of making serious offers to Marner. Aside from the favored Carolina Hurricanes, the Vegas Golden Knights are also in consideration. While the Knights may struggle to match some financial offers, they can present Marner with an immediate opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup.
The other contenders include the Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, and Chicago Blackhawks, each offering a unique appeal. Anaheim features a promising young core that Marner could lead and grow with over time. Utah presents the chance for Marner to become the face of an emerging franchise, building a lasting legacy. Chicago offers a balanced scenario where Marner would join a top star while maintaining a leading role, avoiding being overshadowed.
Each of these teams has the cap space and motivation to enter the bidding war, making the free agency period highly competitive and unpredictable.
Implications of Marner’s Contract Decision on the NHL Landscape
Mitch Marner’s free agency represents one of the most anticipated events in this NHL offseason, with the potential to reshape team dynamics and championship prospects. The debate over the fairness of his $100 million contract value highlights broader tensions about paying for skill versus proven playoff success.
Carolina’s aggressive approach signals a commitment to breaking through their championship ceiling, while other teams see Marner as a franchise cornerstone capable of elevating their status. How the negotiations unfold will influence salary trends and team strategies across the league.
As July 1 approaches, all eyes remain on Marner’s camp and the bidding teams to see who will ultimately secure one of hockey’s most skilled and polarizing players.