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NHL Insider Describes 'Heel Turn' Scenario for Mitch Marner's Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 8:10 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs face a pivotal offseason, and the future of Mitch Marner remains unresolved with July 1 and the start of free agency fast approaching.

As the winger nears unrestricted free agency on that date, barring agreeing to a contract extension, speculation has swirled around potential destinations.

One of the most provocative scenarios came from The Athletic’s James Mirtle, who suggested a potential move that would stun fans on both sides of the NHL’s fiercest rivalry.

Mirtle wrote that Marner signing with the Boston Bruins would qualify as a “heel turn” but stopped short of ruling it out, placing Boston under the "maybes and long shots" category of his list of potential landing spots for the pending free agent.

Mitch Marner is NHL free agency's big fish. And there will be no shortage of suitors.

Which fits make the most sense for the two-time All-Star?@mirtle evaluates: https://t.co/MijRk4u7Sr pic.twitter.com/CVyZBWosWe
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 2, 2025

"It would be a bit of a heel turn for Marner, given they're such a big rival in the division," Mirtle said. "But I don't think we can rule it out entirely just on that basis."

The Bruins are entering a retooling phase after a disappointing 2024–25 season and project to have more than $26 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia.

"It was certainly a lost season in Boston this year, but do they try and pull a Capitals and retool quickly?" Mirtle wondered. "Between David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman, they have a lot of strong pieces in place, so scorched earth doesn’t seem like the way to go."

Marner tallied 102 points in 81 regular-season games and 13 points in 13 playoff contests this season.

"(The Bruins) certainly have the cap room after their big sell-off before the deadline," Mirtle said.

Marner’s last contract carried a $10.9 million cap hit, but he's expected to demand a rise for his next deal, possibly into the $13 million per season.

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

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