NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn

Mitch Marner free agency destinations: Top 5 potential landing spots for star forward after Leafs' playoff elimination

Modified May 21, 2025 08:51 GMT

The Maple Leafs' elimination on Sunday night has added fuel to the speculation regarding Mitch Marner’s future in Toronto.

Marner, who refused to discuss his contract status during the regular season and playoffs, now faces free agency with a dark cloud of uncertainty hanging over his head and the organization.

Given the way the Maple Leafs’ season ended, it’s quite possible that Marner will not be back in Toronto next season.

So, here’s a look at the top five landing spots for Mitch Marner as he heads into free agency this summer.

Top 5 landing spots for Mitch Marner in free agency

#1 Colorado Avalanche

Last summer, Mitch Marner reportedly worked out with Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.

That connection fueled speculation that Marner might be interested in joining the Avalanche following this season. While the Avalanche could use another high-octane player in their lineup, cap constraints could get in the way.

If the Avalanche can figure out a way to slide Marner’s contract under the cap, they could be enticed to make a pitch for the playmaking winger.

#2 New York Rangers

The New York Rangers will be compelled to make a splash this summer after a disappointing season. The Rangers would have to clear cap space to fit Marner’s contract, but it would be worth it.

The Rangers’ core is aging and could use an infusion of high-end playmaking talent. The Blue Shirts wouldn’t rely solely on Marner as their main setup man. Marner could join other elite forwards like Artemi Panarin and J.T. Miller, bolstering an already talented lineup.

#3 Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings could be in the market for Mitch Marner this summer. The Kings faced yet another first-round elimination at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers and would likely be in the market for a player who could put them over the top.

Mitch Marner could certainly be that player.

The Kings don’t have much cap space, but with some creative accounting, they could make the numbers work. If Marner isn’t set on his reported $14 million AAV asking price, the Kings could bring him to Tinsel Town.

#4 Utah Mammoth

Earlier this season, rumors circulated about a trade between the Leafs and Utah. The rumors proved unsubstantiated. But they did leave some room for suspicions.

Why Utah of all teams?

The Mammoth won’t have to pull a rabbit out of a hat to make the cap numbers work for Marner, as they have cap space to play with. The Mammoth are also a young, up-and-coming team in need of a veteran star to lead the way.

#5 Pittsburgh Penguins

Could the Pittsburgh Penguins emerge as a big-time player for Mitch Marner this summer? The Penguins are rebuilding and looking to shed contracts.

Evgeni Malkin has already announced his retirement. Sidney Crosby may hang up his skates in 2027.

The Penguins might also look to move a disgruntled Erik Karlsson this year. Even if they don’t, he’s only under contract for two more seasons.

All of that means the Penguins will have the cap space and the need for star power moving forward. The connection between Penguins GM Kyle Dubas and Marner could lure the free-agent winger to Steel Town.

If there’s anyone who can make the cap voodoo work, it’s Dubas. Fans shouldn’t be surprised to hear rumblings about Marner and the Penguins this summer.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

Know More

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama