Mitch Marner. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Mitch Marner reportedly eliminates six teams from free-agency options if he departs Toronto

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated May 22, 2025 10:45 PM ET

Mitch Marner may be leaving Toronto in free agency, and if he does, he is unlikely to land in Canada again after he ruled out six teams in free agency.

After nine stellar regular seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, it appears as though the struggles in the Stanley Cup playoffs will catch up with Mitch Marner, as all signs currently point to him hitting free agency this summer.

While he had a career high of 102 points in the regular season, fans have been vocal about getting Marner off the Maple Leafs in free agency, and given that he's set to earn at least $13 million a season, that cap space could be used elsewhere by Brad Treliving and the front office.

Given that he's just 28 years of age, there's expected to be immense interest in Marner on the free-agent market. Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff revealed that the Calgary Flames and other Canadian teams are not on Marner's list.

According to Di Marco, a source close to the situation has revealed that if Marner leaves Toronto in free agency, he's likely to leave Canada completely, ruling out Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Montreal.

It's unclear exactly why Marner would want to depart Canada.

Ultimately, though, this could change if a team (likely the Flamers given their cap space) gives him the biggest possible offer, but for now, turn your attention to teams like Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and St. Louis, as it appears Marner is headed to the States in the very near future.

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

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