Predicting NHL Free Agency Destination: Where Will Mitch Marner Sign?
June 16, 2025, 02:44h.
Last updated on: June 16, 2025, 03:06h.
Mitch Marner's Potential Destination Shaking Up
Mitch Marner Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Free Agency Contract Negotiations
Senior NHL journalist Elliotte Friedman hints rumors about Mitch Marner's departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs are likely true.
Mitch Marner's contract talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs have stalled, and it seems likely he'll leave when he hits free agency on July 1.
FanDuel Opens a "Mitch Marner Next Team" Market
With bettor interest heating up, FanDuel jumped on the bandwagon, launching a market for Mitch Marner's next NHL team.
Just a week ago, the Leafs were the fourth favorite, with the Las Vegas Golden Knights leading the pack.
But as of Monday, the Leafs are off the board, and the Las Vegas Strip and the Golden Knights have jumped to +230.
Some other frontrunners include the Carolina Hurricanes (+470), the Anaheim Ducks with new coach Joel Quenneville (+650), the Pittsburgh Penguins with former GM Kyle Dubas taking charge (+650), the Chicago Blackhawks (+750), and the Los Angeles Kings (+1000).
Golden Knights Emerge as Favorites
A FanDuel trader revealed that the Golden Knights have attracted 15% of all wagers placed on Marner's next team.
If Marner is serious about winning now, it seems the Golden Knights are the best bet.
Marner's Flaws and Strengths
Marner is a stellar player, boasting 27 goals and 75 assists last season. However, some have criticized his small stature and his struggles when under playoff pressure.
Comparisons between Marner and players like Sam Bennett have surfaced, with Bennett scoring 15 goals during this year's playoffs compared to Marner's meager 13 career playoff goals.
Despite some negatives, Marner is arguably the best free agent on the market this summer.
Cap Space Concerns
The Golden Knights have $9.6 million in cap space, but there are doubts about top-4 defenseman Alex Pietrangelo's health, which could potentially clear more room in their books to accommodate Marner.
Why the West Coast Makes Sense
Marner spent nine years with the Maple Leafs, and Toronto's harsh winters and fan pressure could be a major turn-off. Additionally, Marner recently had a baby and might prefer a fresh start away from the limelight in Toronto.
What about DraftKings?
Alongside FanDuel, DraftKings is also offering a Marner market. The current odds on their platform stand as follows:
- Golden Knights +350
- Hurricanes +400
- Kings +600
- Ducks +700
- Mammoth +1000
- Panthers +1000
- Blackhawks +1200
- Leafs +2000
Time will tell where Mitch Marner lands, but if he's serious about winning now, Vegas is in the driver's seat.
- The Las Vegas Golden Knights have attracted significant interest in the sports-betting market, with 15% of all wagers placed on Mitch Marner's next NHL team being on them.
- If Mitch Marner is indeed serious about winning now, the Golden Knights might be the best choice, given their current position in the NHL.
- The Golden Knights have a few concerns about their cap space, particularly with regard to top-4 defenseman Alex Pietrangelo's health, but these issues could potentially be mitigated.
- Mitch Marner's potential decision to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs and his destination have sparked much interest in the hockey community, and the NHL betting odds are changing frequently to reflect this interest.
