Mitch Marner to Leave Maple Leafs, Eyes Record Deal

Mitch Marner, star forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is set to leave the team as he enters unrestricted free agency on July 1, with no recent negotiations between him and the Leafs despite their efforts to retain him. Marner posted a career-high 102 points last season and is expected to be the most sought-after player in free agency, with teams like the Carolina Hurricanes preparing offers over $14 million per year and other contenders including the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, and Boston Bruins. The Anaheim Ducks are no longer reported as suitors. Marner's departure marks the end of his nine-year tenure in Toronto, where he became one of the NHL’s elite two-way forwards but faced repeated playoff disappointments. The Maple Leafs are reportedly targeting New York Rangers’ All-Star Mika Zibanejad as a potential replacement, though his high salary poses challenges. Marner’s next deal is anticipated to set a new NHL salary benchmark for non-center players.