NHL Rumors: Eastern conference team to take 'massive swing' at Mitch Marner; insider floats potential contract pitch 

Big changes could be on the horizon in the NHL’s Eastern Conference this offseason. According to insider David Pagnotta, the Carolina Hurricanes are ready to make a serious push for Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner — if he hits unrestricted free agency.

Marner's current six-year, $65 million contract with the Maple Leafs expires on July 1. And after another early playoff exit, speculation is growing that Toronto may not re-sign the winger. That could open the door for Carolina to lure Marner to Raleigh with a massive contract offer.

According to Pagnotta, the Hurricanes could go above $14 million per year on a seven-year deal, which would make Marner the highest-paid player in the NHL.

Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl holds that distinction with a $14 million AAV.

"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," Pagnotta wrote on X/Twitter. "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."

The skyrocketing salary cap, which is increasing from $88 million cap space to $95.5 million next season to $113.5 million by 2027-28, enables teams like Carolina to make these mega-offers.

For the Hurricanes, bringing in an elite talent like Marner could be the missing piece that pushes them over the top in the Eastern Conference.

He tallied 75 assists and 102 points through 81 games, before adding another 13 points in 13 playoff games for Toronto.

While nothing is certain until Marner officially hits the open market on July 1, it appears Carolina is ready for Marner.

NHL analyst Darren Dreger proposes Detroit for Mitch Marner

Speaking on FanDuel's "Overdrive" show, NHL analyst Darren Dreger noted that the Detroit Red Wings are eager to land a big-name player like Mitch Marner.

Dreger isn’t exactly predicting that Marner will land in Detroit, but he can see the Red Wings being open to shelling out over $14 million a year for the skilled winger.

“I have a hard time envisioning Mitch Marner playing for the Red Wings and being that close to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the Detroit Red Wings — the entire organization, the building, the city, the fan base — is absolutely starving for something like that, something significant.”

(from 0:49 mark onwards)

Where do you think Mitch Marner will be playing next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.