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Nick Kypreos' 'Best Resolution' for Mitch Marner-Maple Leafs Situation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 7:48 AM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner is entering the final days of his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agency on July 1.

That means that both sides still have a few-days window to reach an agreement for an extension, whether that contract is geared toward keeping him in tow or sending him elsewhere in a sign-and-trade deal.

That last scenario is the one Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos believes could be Toronto’s best-case scenario, and one that could also fit Marner's demands in free agency.

The Leafs, having Marner's negotiating rights, are the only franchise who can offer Marner a maximum eight-year deal. Once signed, they could flip him to a contender looking to spread out Marner's new cap hit over a longer term.

It's a big week in the NHL, with the draft this weekend followed by the opening of free agency next week. This means the trade market is open for business, and @RealKyper outlines who's available and what he's hearing around the league. https://t.co/P7Do4jNymX
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 24, 2025

"It’s not out of the question that Marner could still seek maximum term and this is where a sign and trade could get interesting for everyone involved," Kypreos wrote. "For Toronto, allowing a sign and trade might be the best resolution of all. Dealing Marner would ensure they get something back for losing him, and doing so with a contract in place would bring a return that’s far more enticing and impactful than simply trading his negotiating rights."

In Kypreos’ eyes, this move would benefit everyone: Toronto would receive something in return, perhaps even Marner's replacement, and Marner would secure both max-term and a top-dollar salary.

"A sign and trade would be the only way a new team could get Marner for eight years since Toronto would ‘sign’ him to the contract before July 1 and then trade him,” Kypreos explained. “That’s key because a lot of these Cup contenders would be bumping up to the cap after signing Marner, and an eighth season would be one way for them to bring down the AAV.”

When it comes to prospective suitors, Kypreos mentioned two from the Western Conference: the Vegas Golden Knights and the Dallas Stars.

“Could the Vegas Golden Knights or Dallas Stars get involved?" Kypreos wondered. "With the bar set so high in Vegas, I don’t expect George McPhee and Kelly McCrimmon to sit idle for long. There is plenty of speculation that they are getting ready to take a big run at Marner."

Kypreos listed Vegas forward WIlliam Karlsson as a potential player to involve in the trade. Regarding the Stars, he mentioned forward Jason Robertson.

“Could (Dallas) take a serious run at Marner?" Kypreos wrote. "That may depend on the decision ownership and GM Jim Nill face on whether to re-sign Jason Robertson or cut him loose now with a trade."

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

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