NHL Analyst Spots 'Flaw' in Mitch Marner's Approach to Free Agency

"Let's just make up some (interested) teams. Let's say Vegas, Los Angeles, and Toronto — but I don't think it's Toronto," Duthie said. "So if those are the three teams, maybe there’s one other one he wants to visit, so there’s four teams, and you’re gonna do a trip to every city with your wife... and you’re not gonna make decisions on July 15."

Duthie pointed to a key issue in Marner's plans and timeline. If he delays his decision well past July 1, teams may be forced to wait and miss out on other top free agents, or they might simply move on and prioritize signing another player.

"Then, how are all those teams supposed to do their business on July 1 if they don't have any idea they're going to get Mitch Marner?"

“If Marner is touring the league... then teams will have to wait for his decision,” Duthie said. “That’s the only flaw I see in that process… that’s the confusing part.”

According to Daily Faceoff, Marner’s expected to sign a seven-year, $13 million contract. That said, there is also the possibility that the asking price could go as high as the $14–15 million range, depending on the bidder. 

If clubs commit cap space to him and miss out, they could be left empty-handed.

Marner last spoke on May 20 during the Maple Leafs' end-of-season media availability, and he acknowledged not knowing what's next for him.

“I’ve loved being here, I’m so grateful, but I haven’t talked to my family yet,” Marner said. “It’s hard. It’s still so fresh.”