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Major last minute announcement by the Leafs on Mitch Marner and it's confirmed for the Chicago Blackhawks
Photo credit: Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers
It's been reported today by GM Brad Treliving of the Toronto Maple Leafs that forward Mitch Marner will test free agency, confirming that the Blackhawks have a good shot at signing him.
On Tuesday, July 1st, Mitch Marner will do something unique in his career for the first time. He'll be hitting the free agent market in the NHL and will explore his best options as a forward who's due a raise.
The pending UFA hasn't signed a new deal with the Maple Leafs and has garnered interest around the league from multiple teams. The top free agent of this year's class, which could see some exciting moves.
Pending UFA
It was announced today by GM Brad Treliving that Mitch Marner will be testing free agency.
Brad Treliving on Mitch Marner:
"I would probably describe it, unless there is a significant change here, I anticipate it will hit the free agent market. "
"I would probably describe it, unless there is a significant change here, I anticipate it will hit the free agent market. "
We will likely never see a player as dynamic as Marner hit the free agency market again, as he's likely to find a new home south of the border of Ontario.
The Chicago Blackhawks may have been ruled out of the initial sweepstakes, but with the amount of cap space available for Kyle Davidson to use, it wouldn't be unreasonable for the team to call in on Marner.
His next contract could pay him up to an AAV of $14 million, and we could see teams like the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Chicago Blackhawks (if Kyle Davidson is bold enough) to open their purses.
Marner scored a total of 102 points in 81 games this season with the Maple Leafs and is a former Selke Trophy nominee.
He's going cup-hunting before anything, but that doesn't mean Kyle Davidson couldn't try to lure him to an up-and-coming roster in the NHL.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 26 | 382 ANSWERS Major last minute announcement by the Leafs on Mitch Marner and it's confirmed for the Chicago Blackhawks Should GM Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks try to lure forward Mitch Marner, a pending UFA, to the Windy City? | ||
| Yes | 215 | 56.3 % |
| No | 167 | 43.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
