The NHL rumor mill is churning with several high-profile storylines as the offseason heats up. Mitch Marner's future in Toronto remains uncertain, Connor McDavid's contract extension talks have begun in Edmonton, and several other teams are making moves to position themselves for the upcoming season.
The Mitch Marner saga continues to dominate headlines. After completing a six-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the 28-year-old right winger is expected to test the UFA market on July 1st. Recent speculation suggests Marner might consider signing a short-term contract rather than a long-term deal. With the salary cap expected to rise significantly in the coming years, stars like Marner and Connor McDavid could prefer short-term contracts, enabling them to cash in again under a higher salary cap while still in their playing prime. One report suggested a two-year contract between $12 million and $13 million. However, Elliotte Friedman has received pushback on the suggestion that Marner might accept a short-term deal.
Several teams have emerged as potential suitors for Marner. The Vegas Golden Knights are considered a frontrunner. The Dallas Stars have also been linked to Marner, but with limited cap room, a major move, possibly involving Jason Robertson, would be needed to open the necessary space. There's also increasing speculation about a potential sign-and-trade deal. The Florida Panthers are also reportedly interested and the Maple Leafs have opened the door to a sign-and-trade scenario, where they would sign Marner to an eight-year max contract before trading him to recoup some value. A sign-and-trade would allow the acquiring team to get Marner for eight years, and doing so with a contract in place would bring a more enticing return than simply trading his negotiating rights.
Meanwhile, in Edmonton, the Oilers have begun contract extension talks with Connor McDavid. McDavid has one year left on his eight-year, $100 million contract and can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 next year, while also being eligible to sign an extension on that date. There is hope that McDavid will follow teammate Leon Draisaitl's path and commit to the Oilers for another eight seasons. Discussions are currently focused on the organization's direction and broader topics, with no specific financial terms being exchanged yet. Negotiations are expected to extend well beyond July 1 as both sides take their time working through various aspects of the deal. Despite earning numerous accolades, McDavid has yet to win a Stanley Cup, having faced back-to-back losses in the finals. It will be interesting to see whether McDavid will explore options to join another team or believe his best chance to win his first championship lies with the Oilers.
Other NHL Rumors:
The NHL offseason is shaping up to be an eventful one, with several key players potentially on the move and major decisions looming for some of the league's top teams.
