Marner's future takes twist as surprise team emerges as option

Mitch Marner. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Mitch Marner's future takes unexpected twist as surprise team emerges as option

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By James Connelly | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 4:28 PM ET

Mitch Marner may be hitting unrestricted free agency this summer and could head to an unexpected contender in the West with little cap space: the Dallas Stars.

In a recent article for The Athletic, insider Pierre LeBrun shared some new rumors about Mitch Marner and his next NHL home.

First, LeBrun indicated that Marner could sign for two to four years instead of seven and then get even more money on the market later down the road.

"The rumor du jour — and it is very much that, as I've not confirmed it but have heard it now from two teams — is that one option Mitch Marner is considering is a two-year deal at around $12M to $13M per year, positioning him to hit the market again when the salary cap skyrockets to $113M or higher in a couple of years."

This cheaper deal with a short term is quite intriguing, as it could allow for some teams who could not sign Marner now to be able to sign him.

One of these teams is the Stars, as LeBrun mentioned how he could head to the Lone Star State.

"The Stars would be a long-shot fit given their financial commitment to Mikko Rantanen, but never say never."

Currently, the Stars have about $2.75M in cap space and need to sign three more forwards including their captain, Jamie Benn, who will reportedly be staying in Dallas.

For this to happen, the Stars would need to get rid of significant players who make a lot of money, like Jason Robertson and Matt Dumba, who make a combined $11.5M. It would take some trades but it is possible if the Stars play their cards right.

To sign Marner would give the Stars one of the most loaded forward cores in the NHL and could lead to a Stanley Cup in the near future.

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

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