With Mitch Marner's future in Toronto increasingly uncertain, speculation is rampant about where the skilled winger might land. While teams like the Vegas Golden Knights are considered frontrunners, several "dark horse" contenders could emerge as viable destinations for the coveted free agent. These teams might not be the most obvious choices, but they possess the right combination of factors to potentially lure Marner into their fold.
1. Dallas Stars: The Dallas Stars have quietly emerged as a serious contender for Marner's services. According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, Dallas has gained momentum as a potential landing spot, even though they haven't been heavily linked to Marner in the past. The Stars are looking to make a deep playoff run and view Marner as a dynamic difference-maker. Dallas offers a competitive roster without the intense media scrutiny of Toronto, and the lack of state income tax in Texas could make a deal in the $10-10.5 million range appealing to Marner. However, the Stars have limited cap space and would need to make significant trades to accommodate Marner's salary. A potential obstacle is their reluctance to trade Jason Robertson.
2. Ottawa Senators: The Ottawa Senators are a surprising but intriguing possibility. Jeff Marek of DailyFaceoff has identified the Senators as a "dark horse" for Marner. The Senators are a young, rebuilding team, and adding a star like Marner could significantly accelerate their progress. Owner Ryan Smith is reportedly eager to make a splash and put a more competitive product on the ice. Although Marner playing for a divisional rival would be shocking to Maple Leafs fans, the Senators have the cap space to make a compelling offer. The main question is whether Marner would be willing to join a team with a long-standing rivalry with the Leafs.
3. Los Angeles Kings: The Los Angeles Kings are another team expected to show interest in Marner. The Kings are always looking to add top talent and could view Marner as the missing piece to their Stanley Cup aspirations. However, like the Stars, the Kings would need to clear cap space to make room for Marner's hefty salary. The Kings could offer Marner the chance to play in a large market with a strong team, but they may not be as close to contending as other potential destinations.
4. Carolina Hurricanes: The Carolina Hurricanes have been linked to Marner in the past, even attempting to acquire him at the trade deadline. While a deal didn't materialize then, the Hurricanes could revisit their pursuit of Marner in free agency. The Hurricanes are a consistently competitive team with a strong defensive structure, and Marner's offensive skills would be a valuable addition to their lineup. However, it's unclear if Marner is interested in playing for the Hurricanes, as he opted to stay in Toronto when they tried to trade for him previously. It's also worth noting that they traded away Mikko Rantanen who was speculated to be part of a trade for Marner.
Ultimately, where Mitch Marner signs will depend on a variety of factors, including his salary demands, his desire to contend for a Stanley Cup, and his personal preferences. While the Vegas Golden Knights remain the favorites, these four dark horse teams could present intriguing alternatives for the star winger.
