David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Red Wings Linked to Maple Leafs' Upcoming Free Agent in Offseason Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 5:58 AM ET

While the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for their playoff opener against the Ottawa Senators in the latest chapter of the "Battle of Ontario," attention elsewhere is already turning to the offseason.

One name will be at the center of all talks from now through June, and that's Leafs forward Mitch Marner. If the star winger reaches free agency on July 1, the Detroit Red Wings could be one of many NHL franchises to try and sign him.

On a recent episode of "The Jeff Marek Show," Marek and Shayna Goldman made the case for the Red Wings to aggressively pursue Marner should he become available.

“I can’t help but thinking... like, it’s not a great free agent class, and I know I'm getting way ahead of myself here because we haven't even seen the playoffs yet,” Marek said. “But if you’re the Detroit Red Wings, how do you not make a play for Mitch Marner?”

"If you're the Detroit Red Wings, how do you not make a play for Mitch Marner?"@JeffMarek and @shaynagoldman_ discussed another disappointing season for the Detroit Red Wings and the potential to make a splash in free agency

Presented by @FanDuelCanada #TheSheet #LGRW pic.twitter.com/HzHlYvAxjk
— The Sheet with Jeff Marek (@thesheethockey) April 16, 2025

Goldman echoed that sentiment, pointing directly to Detroit’s front office.

“How do you not make a play for Mitch Marner? How do you not go after big offer sheet candidates? How don't you do anything?” Goldman wondered. “And I would ask this for any General Manager, but especially Steve Yzerman.”

After acquiring Alex DeBrincat in 2023, Goldman expected more bold moves. Instead, Detroit has remained quiet and has failed to make the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons.

Marner, who turns 28 in May, is coming off his first 100-point season, becoming just the fourth player in Maple Leafs history to hit the mark.

“It’s a special thing, for sure,” Marner said after reaching the milestone in a win over the Buffalo Sabres earlier this week. “Those accomplishments don’t happen by yourself. That’s credit to a lot of guys in that locker room that have helped me out and supported me through this year.”

The contract question remains unresolved as Marner approaches the end of his current six-year, $65.41 million deal.

Meanwhile, former NHL head coach Don Cherry, speaking on his "Grapevine podcast," warned teams to proceed cautiously before giving Marner a long-term contract next summer.

“I’d just be careful signing those guys (Marner and fellow Maple Leafs forward John Tavares) long-term,” Cherry said. “If he gasses like he did the last three times, I don’t think he will stay.”

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

More must-reads: