NHL Insider Links Panthers to Mitch Marner in Bold Pre-Free Agency Move

On Saturday, Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects fueled Pagnotta's beliefs with a report confirming there's "real smoke" about the Florida Panthers' interest in Marner.

Robinson reported that Florida is "gearing up to make a run" at Marner, even before he reaches free agency.

"There’s real smoke that the Florida Panthers could be gearing up to make a run at Marner," Robinson wrote. "Word is that Toronto has opened the door to a sign-and-trade scenario, where they ink Marner to a max-term extension (eight years) and then flip him to recoup some level of value."

Toronto, having Marner's negotiating rights, is the only franchise that can add an extra year to the winger's extension, making it eight years long instead of the seven-year deal all other 31 franchises can offer him.

Marner, who posted a career-high 102 points this past season, is expected to reach the market to evaluate all options on the table, and he's not publicly committed to either leaving or returning to Toronto.

Pagnotta noted that an extension is far less likely than with fellow veteran forward and pending free agent John Tavares.

Robinson seemed to confirm that belief in his report.

"The Leafs know that Marner is all but assured to leave," Robinson wrote. "For the acquiring team, moving a draft pick to avoid a bidding war is a very palatable cost. Whether Marner is keen for that route is another thing."

Regarding other potential offers, Robinson quoted one source close to the matter, saying, “That Marner to LA report is pure rubbish,” with regards to the Los Angeles Kings being one of the most-linked teams to the Maple Leafs star.