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Mitch Marner Has One Preferred Destination High on His List, per Insider

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 9:27 AM ET

Per an NHL Insider, pending Toronto Maple Leafs UFA forward Mitch Marner has a preferred team at the top of his summer wish list - but can they make it work?

The Toronto Maple Leafs could potentially be undergoing major changes during the summer after their latest disappointment in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

They were beaten for the 2nd time in 3 years by the divisional foe Florida Panthers, who are once again back in the Stanley Cup Final while the Maple Leafs prepare for yet another lengthy summer.

General manager Brad Treliving spoke about the need to shake up the organization's DNA during his season-ending press conference, and many speculate that could mean bidding goodbye to forward Mitch Marner.

Marner is a pending UFA and could become one of the most highly coveted players to hit free agency in recent memory. And while there are several clubs reported to have been linked to Marner, he is said to have one team at the top of his alleged wish list.

Per James Mirtle of The Athletic, Marner would prefer to join the Panthers after years of playing against them with the Maple Leafs, but is unsure whether Florida would be able to make a contract work.

James Mirtle: Mitch Marner has the Florida Panthers high on his list, unclear if the Panthers can make it work - SN 590

The Panthers have several notable UFAs who will be up for new contracts on their roster, including Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, both of whom have made strong cases for themselves to be named the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy if Florida repeats as Stanley Cup champions.

Marner's contract, which expires on June 30, carried an AAV (average annual value) of $10.9 million, a number that is expected to rise to as much as between $12-14 million in his next deal.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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