As July 1, 2025, inches closer, the Mitch Marner rumors continue to swirl with intensity. If the Toronto Maple Leafs fail to extend Marner before free agency opens, he will become the most coveted UFA on the market. At 28, Marner is still in his prime and is expected to command an asking price of $14 million AAV on a long-term deal—an elite price tag for a highly skilled winger.
The St. Louis Blues have now emerged as a potential suitor. Blues insider Jeremy Rutherford has reported that Marner would be an ideal fit in St. Louis, especially alongside his former London Knights teammate Robert Thomas. The chemistry is already there—and so is the need for a game-changing offensive winger to elevate the Blues’ top six.
That said, the financial logistics are the elephant in the room. The Blues currently have a projected cap space of just $7.146 million with 23 active roster players signed. To pursue Marner, GM Doug Armstrong would need to offload significant salary, and that’s no easy feat given the tight trade market and the number of players with no-trade or limited-trade clauses.
The Harsh Reality Behind the Mitch Marner Blues Rumor
While the fit is tantalizing on paper, the barriers are daunting. Teams that could afford Marner are often not the teams that would appeal to him competitively. And those that do appeal, like St. Louis, may lack the financial bandwidth to execute such a blockbuster signing without gutting other parts of the roster.
Another red flag? Economic uncertainty. The NHL salary cap may not rise as sharply as once projected. With inflation, tariffs, and looming economic challenges, committing $14M annually could backfire—as seen when the Leafs signed John Tavares. That deal backed Toronto into a cap corner that took years to resolve.
In all likelihood, Marner may stay put. An eight-year extension in the $12M–$13M range with Toronto makes the most sense for both sides. However, if negotiations falter, watch for St. Louis to remain in the mix—albeit as a long shot unless major moves are made.
Stay Updated on St. Louis Blues News, Rumors & TV Listings
For the latest St. Louis Blues news, daily NHL trade rumors, and to find out what channel is the Blues game on TV today, visit nhltraderumor.com. Add us to your bookmarks and never miss an update. Don’t forget to sign up for our exclusive newsletter below!
