Breaking down rumors involving Mitch Marner, Elias Pettersson, others

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, what is the latest talk surrounding Mitch Marner? Are the odds he goes to Vegas high? Has he narrowed down his list of teams he’ll consider in free agency? Is Marner open to returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs? 

Meanwhile, what are the Maple Leafs looking at in free agency, whether Marner stays or goes? The Vancouver Canucks are discussing options for Elias Pettersson, but the hope is not to trade him. 

Finally, is something going down in Dallas where insiders seem to think there could be significant changes?

Latest on Marner rumors

According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, the Los Angeles Kings are high on Marner’s list of teams he’s looking at, and potentially higher than the Golden Knights. The Kings will be aggressive in pursuit of him, while Chris Johnston reports Vegas is more likely to go after a Sam Bennett type than Mitch Marner in NHL free agency. Johnston adds that the Marner to Vegas talk is “overblown,” even though Elliotte Friedman reported last week on the "32 Thoughts" podcast that Toronto looked at moving Marner to Vegas last summer for Shea Theodore.

Marner reportedly has a list of seven or eight teams he’s looking at, including Vegas and Los Angeles. Also on the list are San Jose, Columbus, and Anaheim, who, Marner understands will be preparing big offers as well.

Don’t rule out Utah or Carolina, either. Utah wants to make some noise, and it is being reported that the Hurricanes still want a superstar this summer. They tried to acquire Marner this past season, but Marner declined a trade to join them ahead of the deadline.

Maple Leafs considering buyouts

Whether the Maple Leafs can retain Marner or lose him, the organization is reportedly considering buyouts for some of the players at the bottom of its lineup.

Johnston also reports on TSN 1050 that the Maple Leafs could look for short-term deals on veterans, which include targets like Brad Marchand, Patrick Kane, Jamie Benn, and Claude Giroux. One interesting name has come over the past few days and reports are that Jonathan Toews is open to Toronto as an option for next season. Other suitors include the Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche.

Canucks trying not to trade Elias Pettersson?

Elliotte Friedman reports that the Vancouver Canucks are aware of the offers for Elias Pettersson, but they would rather solve their problem than trade it away. Trade talk will surround the often inconsistent star, but the Canucks haven’t given up on him yet. Frank Seravalli reported that the Canucks will re-engage with teams regarding a Pettersson trade before the no-trade clause kicks in this July but are open to keeping him.