David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Darren Dreger Names 'Starving' Franchise as Potential Mitch Marner Suitor

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 9:55 AM ET

The Detroit Red Wings are expected to be active in free agency this summer, and NHL insider Darren Dreger believes the franchise is aiming high.

Detroit has missed the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons and is looking to break that postseason drought before it reaches double digits.

Speaking on TSN's "Overdrive" on Thursday night, Dreger said he believes the Red Wings are “absolutely starving” for a major signing that could change the direction of the organization.

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

Marner is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if no new deal is reached with Toronto between the end of the Stanley Cup Final and the expiration of his six-year, $65.41 million contract.

The 28-year-old is coming off a 102-point season, followed by an early playoff exit in which he contributed 13 points in 13 games.

Marner's market value could exceed $13 million annually on a seven-year deal, but Dreger suggested Detroit might be willing to meet that price.

The Athletic's Max Bultman, meanwhile, reported a potential seven-year, $91 million offer from the Red Wings as a scenario to watch this offseason.

“If Detroit wants to be aggressive this summer, there’s certainly a case for going after the biggest name on the market, Toronto's Mitch Marner,” Bultman wrote. “This scenario would feature the star power Red Wings fans have wanted for years.”

While calling it an "aggressive" approach, Bultman believes it’s a justifiable move given the Red Wings' long playoff drought.

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

More must-reads: