NHL Rumors: $1.25B franchise plotting bold move for Mitch Marner as Maple Leafs star nears free agency

The Carolina Hurricanes are expected to pursue Mitch Marner in free agency this summer. They have $28 million in cap space and are ready to spend. The team had a 99-point season and reached the conference finals, but they are not satisfied as they want to win the Stanley Cup.

The Hurricanes, who were valued at $1.25 billion (according to Forbes), tried to trade for Marner at the deadline. However, he refused to waive his no-movement clause. With his contract ending, they may have another chance as Marner will become a free agent on July 1.

Carolina needs a top forward, something they thought they had after acquiring Mikko Rantanen, who it later traded to the Dallas Stars.

"The Hurricanes are obviously going to be in the Marner sweepstakes, as adding a superstar is their top need, and they were pushing hard for him at the deadline." The Athletic's James Mirtle wrote on Monday.

Marner recorded a career-high 102 points this season, and he has 741 points in 657 NHL games, including 221 goals and 520 assists. Since 2016-17, he is fifth in assists and eighth in points. He is one of the league’s top playmakers, and ranked third this campaign with 75 assists.

If he becomes a free agent, Marner may ask for around $13 million per season. Carolina can afford that, but Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky also has other options this summer.

The Hurricanes had a 99-point season, making it to the conference finals," Mirtle wrote. "(Now) They’re in Cup-or-bust mode, with $28 million in cap space and a green light from ownership to spend."

Maple Leafs' DNA talks amid Mitch Marner's contract uncertainty

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not had much playoff success, as they have won only two playoff series in nine years. In his statement in May, Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said the team’s DNA needs to change. Additionally, he did not discuss whether Mitch Marner will get a new contract or not.

"We're going to meet as a staff, I'm going to be in touch with Mitch's representative," Treliving said, via NHL.com. "You have to prepare for every potential outcome."

When asked, Marner remained noncommittal.

"I've always loved my time here," Marner said. " ... I've been so grateful."

Marner chose not to negotiate during the season. That could mean he plans to test the market, and his future is uncertain. If he chooses to leave, the Hurricanes will likely be ready to make an offer.