NHL insider links Mitch Marner to Maple Leafs' biggest rival in shocking free-agency move

With still almost a month until the start of free agency, the next several weeks are set to be littered with Mitch Marner rumors and potential landing spots.

Many destinations have already been floated by analysts, insiders, and fans. The Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, and even the Florida Panthers have all been linked to the superstar winger in recent weeks.

On Tuesday, one NHL insider suggested another team that could make a run at signing Marner this summer. Jeff Marek of Daily Faceoff proposed the idea that the Ottawa Senators might try to pry Marner away from their rivals in free agency on The Sheet. Daily Faceoff shared the video on X (formerly Twitter).

"Just the chaotic thought of Mitch Marner signing with the Ottawa Senators, Dave, do you have a thought?" Marek asked (17:20)

NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period was his guest and responded to the proposition.

"I mean, look, it's twofold," Pagnotta said. "One, you get the best player in the free agent market that just scored 102 points, and you get him the hell out of Toronto. It's a double win for the Sens. Look, I wouldn't be surprised if they take a stab.

"Like, I think there are going to be a lot of teams that are going to call up as soon as they have that opportunity to and say, We're serious about this. Are you going to consider us? And maybe here's a few bullet points as to why, and then we'll give you the full package after."

He continued:

"It wouldn't shock me if it's Ottawa. I just, again, every sense I get is I would be surprised if any of Calgary, Ottawa, Montreal, barring a significant, significant dollar value, are going to get into the serious race here, with respect to Mitch Marner."

Marner is set to become an unrestricted free agent after playing out the final season of his six-year, $65.4 million contract extension he signed with the Maple Leafs in 2019.

A surprise team has emerged as the odds-on favorite to land Mitch Marner

While the entire league is likely to kick tires on Marner, it’s hard to get a read on the frontrunners in this race.

However, according to Coolbet, the Los Angeles Kings have quietly climbed to the top of the leaderboard. The Kings currently have the shortest odds to sign Marner at +450, while the Maple Leafs (+600), Golden Knights (+600), Hurricanes (+650), and Mammoth (+750) round out the top five.

Mitch Marner’s decision and future will be one of, if not the, biggest stories to develop in the coming weeks as the NHL offseason kicks into gear.