As July 1 approaches, NHL teams including the Carolina Hurricanes are gearing up to meet with Mitch Marner, according to insider Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast. Discussions about Marner’s future are already underway amid uncertainty from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have reportedly been offered meetings with Marner but have not confirmed participation.
Friedman revealed that the Hurricanes plan to fully commit their resources in pursuit of Marner, indicating a serious push in the ongoing trade and negotiation landscape. Other Western Conference teams like Vegas are also reportedly active in pursuing the winger, suggesting a competitive market for his services.
“I got pushback on the idea Marner could opt for a four-year deal giving him another payday at age 32, but a few teams said they’d heard about it. Lots of twists and turns on this file over the next two weeks,”
—Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider
“Barring a sudden change in philosophy, Carolina is expected to push all chips into the pot. I’m watching Vegas, with several of their Western Conference brethren pushing hard.”
—Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider
Friedman added that these meetings may largely take place online unless teams travel to Toronto, with Marner possibly visiting one or two franchises in person before making a decision. Some teams may require rapid answers to avoid losing time, moving on quickly if Marner’s choice is delayed.
Florida Panthers Emerges as a Potential Landing Spot for Marner
Among the teams showing interest in Mitch Marner, the Florida Panthers have been highlighted for their possible fit by NHL insider Jeff Marek. He noted the Panthers’ salary cap flexibility due to impending free agency of some key players, potentially enabling them to pursue Marner aggressively.
On The Sheet with Jeff Marek, the analyst pointed out Marner’s effective chemistry with Sam Bennett during the recent Four Nations tournament, suggesting that this connection could help Marner unlock a different dynamic compared to playing alongside Auston Matthews, whose similar style may limit variation on the ice.
“I think anybody that watched those two at the Four Nations said, ‘Oh, man, there’s something there,’”
—Jeff Marek, NHL Insider
“And when you throw in the state tax situation, and eight equals 10 or nine, equals 12 or 11.5 or whatever works out to be, I don’t know that it will be outlandish to speculate or wonder about if the Florida Panthers.”
—Jeff Marek, NHL Insider
Marek emphasized that Florida’s tax advantages could make their offer more financially attractive compared to other destinations. Possible roster changes, such as Brad Marchand’s move to Dallas and Aaron Ekblad’s departure for Utah, may create openings for Marner, especially if Bennett remains with the Panthers.
The Stakes and Future of Mitch Marner’s Decision
With the Carolina Hurricanes poised to stake everything on acquiring Marner and the Florida Panthers emerging as a solid option, the coming weeks will be critical for the player’s career direction. The Maple Leafs’ hesitation and other teams’ quick timelines for decision-making mean Marner’s choice could reshape several franchises’ plans for the upcoming NHL seasons.
The competition to sign or trade for Marner highlights his value across the league, making his ultimate decision one of the most anticipated developments in the NHL offseason. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch as negotiations unfold, understanding that Marner’s destination may also influence broader market movements and team strategies.