The Mitch Marner rumors are back in full swing—and they’re not going anywhere until the Toronto Maple Leafs either make a deep playoff run or lock him into a long-term deal. As of now, neither has happened.
The latest spark in the Marner saga comes from former NHLer Paul Bissonnette, who stated on the Pat McAfee Show that there is “a little hostility” between Marner and Maple Leafs management. According to Bissonnette, that tension stems from Toronto reportedly trying to trade Marner to the Carolina Hurricanes for Mikko Rantanen at the March 7 trade deadline. Marner, who holds a full no-movement clause, declined the trade and expressed a desire to stay in Toronto.
However, the fallout from that attempt might still linger. Bissonnette believes Marner could demand up to $14 million per season on his next deal, and with the Leafs tight against the cap and questions surrounding his playoff production, things could get complicated.
Penguins a Fit for Marner if He Hits Free Agency?
Here’s where the Pittsburgh Penguins come into play. GM Kyle Dubas, the man who originally signed Marner to his current deal in Toronto, is now tasked with retooling the aging Penguins. Adding Marner—still in his prime at 27—would inject much-needed youth and star power into Pittsburgh’s top-six forward group.
From a cap perspective, the Penguins could make room, especially with a few expiring contracts. They have one of the league’s most aggressive front offices when it comes to making splashy moves. A trade for Marner, or a July 1 free-agent signing if he becomes available, is not far-fetched—especially with Dubas at the helm.
My take: I believe the Leafs did explore trading Marner before the deadline and Marner’s camp stood firm. It speaks volumes about where the relationship currently stands. If the Leafs are bounced early in the playoffs again, expect those Marner rumors to go from simmering to boiling. Pittsburgh, with the Dubas connection, feels like a legitimate landing spot.
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