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NHL Insider Wonders if Ducks Would 'Take a Shot' at Maple Leafs Veteran

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 8:16 AM ET

After acquiring Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers, the Anaheim Ducks appear far from finished with their offseason moves.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman talked about the Ducks' potential moves starting next July with the opening of free agency, and confirmed that Anaheim is expected to pursue Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner.

That said, Friedman wondered on Friday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast if the Ducks might not stop there.

"I think we're still expecting them to take a run at Marner," Friedman said. "I've actually wondered if Toronto and (John) Tavares don't work this out—and there's still time here—if Anaheim would be a team that would take a shot at Tavares too."

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The Ducks have more than $32 million in cap space, giving general manager Pat Verbeek the financial flexibility to make bold plays.

According to Daily Faceoff, Marner tops the pending free agent list with a projection for a contract worth $13 million per season over seven years.

Tavares, meanwhile, is projected to land a three-year, $23.7 million contract with an annual cap hit of $7.9 million.

With Kreider and fellow former Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (who was also acquired via trade) now on board, Anaheim has shown a willingness to invest in veterans.

"Chris Kreider is the type of player we were looking to add this offseason," Verbeek said. "He has size, speed, and is a clutch performer that elevates his game in big moments."

Whether Tavares is even available remains to be seen. The Leafs' captain has stated he wants to stay in Toronto and may be willing to take a discount.

"Very optimistic that we can work something out where I’m back," Tavares said during the end-of-season media availability.

The Maple Leafs enter the offseason with $25.7 million in cap space, albeit with the salaries of all Toronto pending free agents off the books.

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

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