As the NHL offseason looms, Mitch Marner rumors are beginning to take center stage—and the Anaheim Ducks are reportedly preparing to make a bold play for the pending unrestricted free agent.
Ducks Could Go Big for Mitch Marner in 2025 Offseason
According to Ducks insider Eric Stephens of The Athletic, Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek has signaled a shift in organizational direction by firing head coach Greg Cronin. While the coaching search is underway, Verbeek is expected to be equally aggressive in reshaping the roster, and that could start with none other than Mitch Marner.
Marner, a dynamic two-way forward, could become the biggest name on the open market if the Toronto Maple Leafs fail to sign him to an extension. The Ducks, flush with almost $39 million in cap space, are one of the few teams that could afford to make Marner one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Anaheim’s roster is brimming with young potential—Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier are all future stars. But what they lack is a proven superstar to elevate the group into a playoff contender. Marner would bring elite playmaking, strong defensive instincts, and playoff experience to a team on the rise.
From a roster construction perspective, Anaheim is in prime position to make a splash. They have the cap room, the market appeal, and the desire to turn the corner next season. The real question is whether Marner, who will likely have a choice of contenders if he hits free agency, views the Ducks as a team ready to win.
My Take:
This could be the defining offseason for Pat Verbeek. If he can convince Marner to leave Toronto and bet on Anaheim’s youth movement, it would instantly change the franchise’s trajectory. But if Marner is looking for an immediate Cup run, Anaheim may have to pivot to the trade market for a big-name acquisition instead.
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