Four teams may have upper hand on Mitch Marner

Mitch Marner. Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Mitch Marner rumors: Four teams may have upper hand on Maple Leafs star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 6:07 PM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner is expected to be the hottest name on the open market this summer. Marner is projected to receive a massive payday in free agency, and this could see a bidding war ensue for his services.

But due to the high price tag that he will command, there may only be a few teams that are truly serious in the pursuit. Marner can check a lot of boxes for interested teams, but only one will be able to win the sweepstakes.

Notably, a three-time Stanley Cup champion just absolutely blasted the notion that Marner should reset the market.

According to NHL insider James Mirtle of The Athletic, there may be four teams that could have an upper hand in the free agency. The Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks and Utah Mammoth are expected to offer Marner the highest bids.

James Mirtle: Anaheim, Chicago, San Jose, Utah could put massive Draisaitl or higher level contracts in front of Marner - TSN 1050
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 12, 2025

Each of these teams is seen as a lower-tiered team, and it remains unknown if Marner would be willing to play for a non-contender. But out of these four, the Ducks and Mammoth are likely closest to becoming a contender.

Anaheim brought in veteran Joel Quenneville to be the new head coach, giving this team more credibility. The Ducks also pulled off a high-profile trade this week.

Utah has a star in Clayton Keller, who could pair well with Marner. The Mammoth is also entering its inaugural season, so Marner could be part of a new historic start in Utah.

When free agency opens, there could be a run on Marner. The star forward isn't likely to stay in Toronto and will be heading elsewhere this summer.

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

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