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$1.85 Billion Franchise Not 'Favorite' to Land Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 7:52 AM ET

As the future of Mitch Marner continues to dominate offseason discussion around the Toronto Maple Leafs, attention has turned to possible destinations should the forward hit unrestricted free agency on July 1.

With a valuation of $1.85 billion in Forbes' latest updated ranks and one championship already in their trophy cabinets, the Knights are seen as a legitimate suitor for Marner if he gets to market this offseason.

But in the eyes of NHL insider Chris Johnston, Vegas is not the leading contender for Marner.

During a segment of "The Chris Johnston Show" shared by SDPN on X, Johnston made it clear that while the Golden Knights always operate aggressively, he believes their focus may lie elsewhere.

Are Vegas actually frontrunners to land Mitch Marner in free agency? #CJShow @reporterchris @jkamckenzie pic.twitter.com/DK79kgmXES
— sdpn (@sdpnsports) June 3, 2025

"You can never take Vegas out of any major sweepstakes because of the DNA of the franchise (and) obviously the history of moves that we can point to," Johnston said. "But, when I look at this free agent class, I think it’s more likely we see Vegas land a (Florida Panthers pending free agent) Sam Bennett than a Mitch Marner.

"Somehow, there seems to be this notion that they are the favorites — I wouldn't call them the favorites to land Mitch Marner. I think Vegas might be swinging harder for (Bennett) than (Marner) if both of those players end up going (to free agency)."

Johnston’s remarks come amid ongoing speculation about Marner’s future, as contract talks with Toronto have yet to produce a final decision.

Leafs GM Brad Treliving has acknowledged that changes may be needed, stating that the team’s DNA must evolve.

Marner, who could have been traded to Vegas last summer, stayed in Toronto for the 2024-25 campaign, where he put together his best season to date.

The winger scored 102 points in 81 regular-season games before notching 13 points in 13 postseason games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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