Making sense of the Mitch Marner situation

Mitch Marner is a loyal Maple Leaf, or some may say he has been. I think personally he wants to stay in Toronto, and I truly believe he wants to play with the Maple Leafs. If someone tells me otherwise, he rejected two offer sheets from Columbus and Minnesota in order to negotiate a contract because he's loyal to the Maple Leafs. This season he carried the team on the ice when Matthews was injured, leading the team in points during the regular season while playing a big role in going to the second round of the playoffs. 

Now, what we noticed is his frustration losing in the playoffs. From what I observed, Marner is hard on himself and the organization needs to take things easy on him. Though a very talented player, I think he needs to play in a market with low but also high expectation. The teams reportedly interested in him are Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and I wouldn't rule out the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now, if he does enter free agency, he's going to get a lot. I can't say exactly, but I would think between $10-15M AAV considering he could take lower if he went to Vegas. 

If he signs with Toronto, I imagine Marner might be asking 8 years at $14M AAV. From what it looks like he won't be playing in Canada, let alone Toronto. But I believe he wants to be somewhere quieter while giving his family a good life. And I'll be ranking the teams that I see personally being more likely on both sides.


1. Utah Mammoth - I'd love to see Utah get a well known superstar coming to their team making them competitive, as he brings exactly Utah would need to get over the next step with leadership as he'd likely get the alternative captaincy to assist Clayton Keller who already is a great leader. If he signs there, Utah likely gets in the playoffs. But I see it being a match made in heaven because it'll increase his morale and the headspace he needs to get his mind off hockey once in a while. If he does sign with Utah I see it being 8 years at $14M AAV.

2. Vegas Golden Knights - It was reported to be Mitch Marner's preferred location which I would tie for first if it weren't for what is and isn't likely. Now, I disagree unless Vegas is willing to move contracts. They also need to work on a potential Jack Eichel extension -- unless Vegas trades him as well for a player they deem 'better.' But I see him being a great replacement long-term for Mark Stone. In order for the Golden Knights to make this work, they need cap space and if it comes down to Marner and the Golden Knights, I see it being 8 years at $12 AAV. 

3. Los Angeles Kings - A great asset for the Kings to land considering Kopitar is getting close to potentially retiring and can replace him, but for the Kings I don't think they need to do that as they have Byfield who can take over that role when the time comes. The reason I don't see it happening is because of cap reasons. But won't rule it out because it may be of interest to Marner. But I see 8 years at $15M AAV. Money could lure him. 

4. Seattle Kraken - A low tax city with little pressure and one that gift Mitch Marner a face of the franchise kind of role. I think he fits in well there surprisingly. But what I believe happens if they sign him is they make the playoffs. If Marner did sign with them I see 8 years at $10M AAV (or Botterill gives him a similar contract that Jeff Skinner got).

I personally would love to see him on the Florida Panthers, but obviously that won't happen. Simply because him being re-united with Tkachuk from their Memorial Cup days in London might spark chemistry for the team. 


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