With the postseason nearly over and the 2025 NHL Champion just five games away, the hockey world is again back in Buffalo, NY. This isn’t anything new; every year, once the postseason is over, everyone from agents to General Managers flies down to New York to find their next crop of hopefuls.
But unlike other years, this year’s situation is a little different. Instead of the usual scouting combine, where prospects are tested day and night, the focus is much more on trade than on the draft, as there will be no in-person draft this year. Not to mention, the free agent class is also quite weak.
This means that for the teams swimming in cap space, the transfer market will be hotter than ever. One of the players expected to make the most of this lukewarm offseason is Toronto Maple Leafs Right-Winger Mitch Marner.
Mitch Marner Might Secure a Big Money Deal in 2025
According to NHL Insider James Mirtle, the Anaheim Ducks are the franchise to look out for when considering big signings. With 2024-25 being the seventh season in a row where the California franchise missed out on a playoff berth, GM Pat Verbeek is big on breaking their playoff curse this year.
And for that, they need a good attack. Leafs standout, Marner, might be the answer to that. With 27 Goals and 75 assists across 81 regular-season games, Marner has been sensational, despite his team’s underwhelming performance. And while the Ducks have jumped from 59 points last season to 80 this season, it’s still not enough.
But with more than $25 million in their cap space after filling their RFAs, Verbeek might make some big gambles this season. With Lukáš Dostál firmly set for the nets as a restricted free agent and the rookies, including Leo Carlsson, doing well, an experienced attacker might make all the difference.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Insiders believe that the expected bids for Marner will reach upwards of $14 million, a figure unheard of as an annual worth. This will put him up against the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl, who is currently the highest-paid NHL player.
But even if Marner’s barrage of assists fixes the attack, the Ducks’ defense will need some serious work. Goalie John Gibson seems to be off the trading chips, and the Ducks might need to consider a more serious contender for the nets.
Current Stanley Cup Finalists, the Florida Panthers, have also been reported as a big contender for acquiring the services of Marner with a trade-off from the Leafs. Irrespective of where he goes, Marner might very well be on his way to reaching the peak of paychecks in the NHL.