The swirling NHL rumor mill continues to churn as teams prepare for a potentially transformative offseason. Mitch Marner's future in Toronto remains a hot topic, while Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers appears increasingly likely to test the free agency market. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers are reportedly considering significant changes to their roster.

Marner's Next Destination: Not Necessarily Los Angeles?

For weeks, the Los Angeles Kings have been touted as the frontrunners to land Mitch Marner should he leave the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, a recent report has thrown cold water on that speculation. According to Elite Prospects' Cam Robinson, a source close to the situation called the "Marner to LA report pure rubbish." While the Kings have the cap space and the need for a player of Marner's caliber, it seems other teams may be in the mix.

Robinson's report also suggests the Florida Panthers could be a significant player in the Marner sweepstakes. The Panthers, fresh off several successful seasons, could be an attractive destination for the star winger. Furthermore, there's talk of a potential sign-and-trade scenario where Toronto inks Marner to an eight-year extension before flipping him to recoup assets. Marner has also expressed he would prefer to play in the US market, and not in Canada.

Ehlers Poised for Free Agency?

Nikolaj Ehlers' future with the Winnipeg Jets is also uncertain. Ehlers, who is coming off a seven-year, $42 million contract, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. While the Jets could try to re-sign him, it appears more and more likely that he will test the open market.

Several teams have been linked to Ehlers, including the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks. The Hurricanes, who may lose Martin Necas and Brett Pesce to free agency, could see Ehlers as a valuable addition to their forward group. The Blackhawks, meanwhile, are looking to add more offensive firepower around Connor Bedard. Other teams such as the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres have also been rumored as potential destinations for Ehlers.

Rangers Eyeing a Roster Shakeup

The New York Rangers are reportedly considering a significant roster overhaul this offseason. According to reports, only three players are considered "untouchable" in trade talks.

Several key players could be on the move, including Chris Kreider and K'Andre Miller. A proposed trade has Kreider going to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Ryan O'Reilly. Miller has been linked to the Seattle Kraken. The Rangers are also reportedly exploring trades involving Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad to manage their cap space. One idea has Panarin going to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Trevor Zegras, Tyson Hinds, and draft picks. The Rangers have already traded Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey to the Colorado Avalanche for Calvin de Haan and Juuso Parssinen. With a new coach in Mike Sullivan, the Rangers are clearly looking to change the team's dynamic and improve their chances of success.