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Maple Leafs Star Linked to Sharks in Bold Prediction From Ex-NHL Exec

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 6:45 AM ET

Former Florida Panthers assistant GM Steve Werier believes San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier’s strategic rebuild could position the franchise to make a serious run at a Toronto Maple Leafs superstar this summer.

That player would be upcoming free agent Mitch Marner, who could enter the market on July 1 if he doesn't re-sign with the Maple Leafs between the end of the playoffs and the start of free agency.

“San Jose GM Mike Grier has quietly put on a masterclass in team-building, in both senses of the word,” Werier wrote at PuckPedia. “In a league where young players have more leverage than ever before, that matters more than ever before.

“Grier’s off to a solid start in the culture department. That can’t be measured, but it’s important.

“I think it will land them (Mitch) Marner.”

Werier praised Grier’s commitment to cap flexibility and talent development, citing over $40 million in projected cap space, per PuckPedia , and giving early ice time for young stars like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund in an attempt to build a solid and long-lasting core.

The former executive also highlighted the long-term signing of veteran Tyler Toffoli to a four-year, $24 million contract this past summer to provide leadership inside the locker room.

Marner, 27, has 89 points in 71 games and is in the final year of a six-year, $65.4 million deal.

According to NHL insider Nick Kypreos, Toronto’s top priority is to either re-sign Marner or leave cap space to find equivalent replacements.

Meanwhile, Marner has opted not to discuss contract talks publicly for the remainder of the season after refusing to waive his no-move clause at the trade deadline.

Werier’s comments come just a day before Marner racked up three assists in a 6–5 shootout loss to the Sharks on Thursday in one of the biggest upsets of the season.

Final from San Jose@LGCanada | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/6b8vXRTtAK
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 28, 2025

Even in defeat, the Maple Leafs (43-25-4) remain first in the Atlantic Division by a single point over the Florida Panthers, albeit having one more game played than their chasers.

Meanwhile, the rebuilding Sharks improved to 20-42-9 with their second straight win, although they still have the largest odds to land the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft as the league's bottom dwellers.

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

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