With multiple players set to hit NHL free agency at the end of the month, teams across the league are looking to make their next big splash, all in hopes of locking up a playoff berth for the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, some players are hoping for a second chance to prove themselves.
One of them is Mitch Marner. The Toronto Maple Leafs winger posted 27 goals and 102 points during the regular season, and it’s no surprise he’s expected to be one of the most sought-after names in this year’s free agent class.
But one thing could complicate his market: the price tag. Reports suggest any team looking to land Marner will need to offer at least $14 million per season, a figure one former Stanley Cup champ isn’t buying.
Ken Daneyko Doesn’t Believe the Price Tag for Mitch Marner
According to reports, the Carolina Hurricanes are the franchise most likely to make a run at Marner come July 1. The sources even suggest a $100 million deal spanning seven years with an average annual value (AAV) of $14.29 million. But Ken Daneyko, a three-time Stanley Cup winner with the New Jersey Devils, believes this is too much.
On a recent episode of “NHL Tonight,” host Adnan Virk asked Daneyko whether he believes Marner is done in Toronto. Daneyko said he does.
He explained that the Leafs clearly know something has to change if they want to break through in the playoffs. Though Marner is set to become an unrestricted free agent, Daneyko pointed out that Toronto could still work out a sign-and-trade to get value back and potentially allow Marner to secure an eighth year on his deal.
Daneyko believes that, despite Marner being a UFA, the Maple Leafs can still get something out of him if they fix the deal before July 1. He argues that Marner can get that eighth year as well.
However, the potential price tag gives him reservations: “$14 million, huh? We are here to give opinions, right? I ain’t giving him $14 million in a million years.”
Mitch Marner is reportedly set to hit free agency on July 1st and would immediately be one of the most sought-after players on the open market in recent memory.
With the rumor mill swirling, could the Carolina Hurricanes be a potential suitor? @adnansvirk | @KenDaneykoMSG |… pic.twitter.com/kDFyMPzYkk
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 14, 2025
Daneyko clarified his stance had nothing to do with disliking Marner or denying his talent. “[It’s] not because I don’t like Mitch Marner, not because he is not one of the most skilled players in national hockey,” he said. “He gets close to 100 points yearly.”
But in Daneyko’s view, that’s not enough. “Until you prove to me you can be a big-game player, I don’t care if you have 200 points. I’m not paying you that kind of money.”
Daneyko added that, while the Hurricanes may believe Marner could elevate his game, he wouldn’t gamble on it: “I’m just giving my opinion if I’m the general manager. … For me, I am taking Sam Bennett.”
For Daneyko, playoffs matter the most, and that is where his priorities lie. He said he would sacrifice regular-season points for playoff production if he could guarantee he makes it to the postseason. “If I am overpaying, I am overpaying for a Sam Bennett,” Daneyko said.
July 1 is still a few weeks away, but the debate around Marner’s value is already heating up.
I think Mitch Marnier is worth alot. Look how much better n scored when Mathews was out. It’s like he has to back up for Mathews that only has spurts in scoring but far n in-between. Any team would be lucky to have Marnier. My opinion
He disappears and disappoints during the playoffs
Marner has no balls. My son played in the NHL. LET HIM GO. You can get at least 3 nice players for 14 million $. We will never win with him.
We are the 3rd best team out of 32 teams. Marchand can be bought for 7 mil a year. That leaves 7 mil for 2 more players. Pay KNIES! HE IS GOING TO BE A PLAYER FOR 10 YEARS.