Mitch Marner Draws Widespread Interest as Top Free Agent, Senators Named Surprise Contender
Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner is shaping up to be the most sought-after free agent ahead of the NHL’s July 1 signing window. With multiple teams keeping tabs on the 27-year-old winger, one surprising suitor has emerged — the Ottawa Senators, according to NHL insider Jeff Marek of DailyFaceoff.
“Ottawa is a dark horse for Mitch Marner; ownership would love to make a splash,” Marek reported.
Given that the Senators are a division rival of the Maple Leafs, such a move would raise eyebrows. Still, with Ottawa’s youthful core and steady progress, a player of Marner’s caliber could provide the offensive firepower needed to elevate them to serious contender status.
Marner just wrapped up a six-year, $65.41 million contract and is expected to command an even larger payday — potentially becoming the highest-paid player in the NHL. In 2024-25, he notched 27 goals and 75 assists for a career-high 102 points in 81 games, marking his first 100-point season.
The Senators, who have more than $15 million in available cap space, could feasibly make a strong offer. Marner would instantly slot into Ottawa’s top line, injecting much-needed scoring depth into a team that averaged 2.95 goals per game, ranking 18th in the league.
Senators Set on Bolstering Offense This Offseason
After reaching the playoffs but bowing out to the Maple Leafs in six games, Ottawa is aiming to take the next step. Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that the Senators are actively seeking offensive upgrades, using their cap flexibility to target top-six forwards.
“With over $15 million in cap space heading into 2025-26, the Senators will be looking to add at least one impactful forward,” Pagnotta noted.
While Marner wasn’t specifically mentioned in Pagnotta’s report, he named several alternative targets Ottawa could pursue, including Brock Boeser, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Mikael Granlund, all of whom are set to become unrestricted free agents. With veterans Claude Giroux and Fabian Zetterlund signed, and RFA Tyler Kleven also secured, the Sens still have plenty of room to maneuver in free agency.
Leafs GM Acknowledges Uncertainty Over Marner’s Future
While interest in Marner is intensifying, his return to Toronto remains possible — though far from guaranteed. Following the Leafs’ playoff exit, general manager Brad Treliving admitted the team hasn’t yet reached a firm decision on the forward’s future.
“I can’t sit here and give you a definitive answer,” Treliving said. “We’ve got to go through the process with Mitch. Our staff is evaluating all possible outcomes. Mitch also has a say in this.”
Marner, a three-time NHL All-Star, remains a fan favorite in Toronto, but his contract situation and market value could force a difficult decision for the Maple Leafs in the coming weeks.
