Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 25, 2025
Check out the latest speculation on the Leafs’ Mitch Marner, the Panthers’ Sam Bennett and the Stars’ Mikael Granlund in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
WHERE COULD MARNER GO IF HE BECOMES A UFA THIS SUMMER?
NHL RUMOUR REPORT: Cited Pierre LeBrun telling TSN 1050 that he believes the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, and Los Angeles Kings could be among the teams interested in Mitch Marner.
The 28-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).
LeBrun also reportedly indicated that the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights could be among the teams that Marner might find interesting.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: All those clubs said to be interested in Marner have one thing in common: plenty of salary cap space. Whether they’re willing to spend it on the Leafs winger remains to be seen. He could seek a long-term deal worth at least $13 million annually.
Understandably, Marner might be interested in contenders like the Panthers and Golden Knights, but they probably can’t afford him. The Panthers have $19 million in cap space, but they’ll likely use most of that in re-signing pending UFAs like Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad. The Golden Knights have over $9.6 million and would have to shed some salary to make room for Marner.
DAILY FACEOFF’s Anthony Di Marco reported the Calgary Flames will look at all the top pending UFAs this summer. “One would assume that Mitch Marner will be one of them but, speaking with one executive, there is a belief that he will not want to play in Canada should he leave TO.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toronto and Calgary are the only Canadian clubs with enough cap space to comfortably sign Marner. However, the Flames’ priority is finding a right-shot, second-line center.
COULD THE FLYERS PURSUE SAM BENNETT?
THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz doesn’t expect the Philadelphia Flyers to pursue Marner in the free-agent market. They’re not in a position where they can invest a lot of cap space in one player right now, plus they’re already deep at right wing.
Kurz pointed out that depth at center is the Flyers’ biggest need, which would make Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers a better free-agent target. He’d also be more affordable than Marner, with Evolving-Hockey projecting a deal for him would likely be a seven-year contract with an average annual value of around $7.5 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett’s preference could be re-signing with the Panthers. If he goes to market, the Flyers won’t be the only potential suitors, which will drive up his asking price. They should have a ‘Plan B’ if Bennett proves unobtainable.
WOULD MIKAEL GRANLUND BE A FIT FOR THE CANADIENS?
TVA SPORTS: Tony Marinaro and Jean-Charles Lajoie suggested Mikael Granlund could be a good fit to address the Montreal Canadiens’ need for a second-line center. The 33-year-old Dallas Stars forward is UFA-eligible on July 1.
At first glance, Granlund might not seem the right choice because of his lack of size, but Marinaro and Lajoie believe he’d be a good short-term option. Lajoie recommended signing him even if the Canadiens find a suitable second-line center because he could play on their third line and move up if an injury strikes.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The lack of suitable second-line centers in the trade market could put Granlund on the Canadiens’ radar in free agency. Whether he’d want to come to Montreal remains to be seen. We also don’t know what GM Kent Hughes has in store to address the second-line center position and if going into free agency is part of his plans.
One source indicates that Marner has ruled out every other Canada-based team if he doesn’t re-sign with the Leafs.
It isn’t indicated why, but if it has to do with difficulty in dealing with the alleged increased focus applied in every Canadian market as compared to the more “laid-back” atmosphere in places like Anaheim and L.A., then I’d let him know not to expect an invitation to join Canada’s team at the next Olympics.
George O. Saw an interview (can’t remember who it was) saying agents are telling players to put Canadien teams on nt lists due to taxes. Guess they’re more concerned with their cut. Personally, I think Marner wants a change. Will be exciting for him when offers roll in. Can choose a new opportunity and place to live.
Agents get paid based on the pre-tax value of a contract so, if anything, the opposite would be true on the assumption that teams with high tax rates have to pay more for players.
That’s certainly his prerogative Slick62 … but if a Canada-based franchise – especially all 7 – is on some Canadian player’s “no go” list, then I don’t want them representing my country either.
Taxes and the fact that no Canadian team has won the Cup in 30 years! And the Ontario tax people are prosecuting (or persecuting) Tavares over his tax liability. It is a matter of financial freedom and the right to choose what is right for an individual.
It isn’t the “Ontario tax people” Johnny Z, it’s the Federal Canada Revenue Agency.
And it’s neither persecution nor prosecution … just a difference of opinion what constitutes a “bonus” and a “salary.”
When you boil it right down to its basics, a “bonus” and a “salary” is a classic distinction without a difference. Bottom line, he’s being taxed on the amount of money rolled out by the Leafs to get him to sign there.
Call it what you like – it’s all income. And that’s why it’s called “income tax.”
Tavares`s tax issue has to do with where he was living when he signed the contract. The money is a signing bonus and is subject to a tax rate of 15%, if Tavares was a resident of Canada at the time of contract signing. That`s why only the first year is in dispute. Performance bonuses are only in ELC`s and 35+ contracts
The problem that Marner might face is that the contending teams he might want to play for don’t have enough cap space to give him the money he wants. And the rebuilding teams like Anaheim and Chicago would be ill advised to break the bank on a single player at this point in their rebuild.
Don’t get me wrong. Marner will be paid. Handsomely. But he may have fewer suitors than he expects.
As for Granlund I think he’d be a good option for the Habs if a second line center can’t be found in a trade.
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say the Columbus Blue Jackets will swoop in on Marner at the last second with the best offer. They need a JG replacement unfortunately and Marner fits the bill perfectly.
Marner would fit well on kings. Canes. Bruins rangers and wild and only NY. Would have move $$ to make it work
The Kings do have the CAP for Marner but are they really a contender?
I still stand behind Seattle needing star power at this point of their existence and should be all in for Mitch
One name that has really never come up in the conversation for a 2c in MTL, is Barrett Hayton. The former 5th ova pick in 2018 scored 46 points last season, while winning 54 percent of 1020 face offs.
He’s not rumoured to be in the block but I imagine if Kent Hughes dangled the right package in front of Utah, they could say yes. Maybe Struble and a 2nd.
Interesting Craig. I never considered him. Would be a good fit but I doubt that Utah would give him up as he’s a solid young center who was a high pick. Unless they’ve got a big fish in mind.
If such a trade is made would take more than Struble and a second. Would have start with a 1st. And a player who could help right away like Dach if he could stay healthy. Then a young Dman like Struble or Engström.
Rossi’s new contract might make him available to the Habs as i agree Hayton is 2C and has another year before a new deal needed
Hayton would be a good option but unlike Rossi, he’s already the 2C on his team and I don’t see them trading him.
I’m not a fan of Granlund with the Habs that I’ve explained as lately as yesterday.
With that being said for all talk of Habs prospect pool and the coming of young guys like Hage (college), Beck, Davidson and Kapanen breaking through and taking spots away from veterans, it won’t be next year.
The AHL Rockets are in the playoffs and the two top centers are Dauphin and Condotta, two journeyman who had a cup of coffee in the NHL as 4th liners.
If Beck, Davidson and Kapanen can’t hold the two top center in Laval, what realistic option is them breaking in with the Habs?
As for RD, Mailloux is still a deer in headlights and Reinbacher is still learning the faster pace, they both need AHL time for a year at least.
While 2C is a need, I think the Habs need a RD minute muncher that’s young enough to give 5 more years.
Dobson and Andersson come to mind., maybe Dante Fabbro
I don’t know what the next step is but the phase of building capital in prospect has to shift this off season to weaponizing it
HabFan, Dauphin and Condotta are being used as the top two centers in Laval because the coach wants to win and would prefer to lead with the veterans. That being said, Beck and Kapanen could certainly use another year in Laval. But I see them both as not more than solid third line centers. I see Davidson as a career AHLer. Hage may turn into a top six center but not for at least a couple of years. Worth looking into a brief extension for Dvorak.
I agree that Mailloux and Reinbacher will need another year in Laval. Fabbro would be a good pick up but would likely want a contract of at least four years. Ceci on a one or two year deal may be a good option.
Habfan,
Hayton is unlikely. However Utah has the 4th ova which gives them a decent shot at a plug in and play centre. That might convince them to walk away from Hayton in exchange for additional assets to address other needs. A move like Hayton to MTL also fits into the Kent Hughes wheelhouse of a move no one sees coming.
There’s also the possibility that Hughes packages 16 and 17 with other assets to move up the draft order for a guy like Miss or Desnoyers.
Another possibility is to sign a veteran like Kuznetsov (a teammate of Demidov in Russia) to a reasonable 2 to 3 year deal while their younger centres develop.
Howard, Fabbro is 26 y/o so a 4yr contract is perfect, running him through his prime and being a UFA wouldn’t cost any assets other than money.
Craig your mention of Hayton is exactly a fit for the way Habs are rebuilding but to be realistic Bill Armstrong started his rebuild first by stockpiling draft picks and cutting vets loose building a great prospect pool and I don’t see him trading the guy to Montreal as there is no comparable to offer.
Kuznetsov is 33y/o and was washed up in Washington, yet woke back up in KHL as a ppg player but he doesn’t have the character or culture that is a major part of the rebuild plan.
Colorado Avalanche have no 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round picks in this and next years draft.
Habs have 11 picks in those same 3 rounds in the next two years.
Can using a mix of that capital and players pry Martin Necas over to be a 2C?
Montreal should really look at Zacha. Affordable contract,Lindholm played with Pasternak and Geekie so he is Boston s second line center.Plays PP,kills penalties,good size,worth a flyer while Boston rebuilds and looks for younger players.
Sr,
You’re right Zacha would do the job, he’s a rather under looked player but would be a really good fit.
He’s a Left shot, 28 y/o, and physical enough.
Once again Habs have the draft picks to use.
Bruins might not to want to trade him to the Habs so it might need to be a 3-team trade put together.
Washington State has a favourable tax . Not saying just saying Richie Mitch
I think Granlund along with Rantanen Heiskanen and Hintz have a thing going in Dallas . Player and management shoukd be motivated to keep it going .
With the UFA’s that the Stars have they could easily fit Marner … I would look for them to be in serious contention for his services
On taxes—- maybe the NHL should negotiate with the US and Canada govt on a negotiated tax rate that evens the playing field.
On Marner— anyone who signs him to $12M + is going to regret it. I don’t care on the cap going up. I’d rather use the money on 2 $6M or so wingers than one $12M or so. There are questions in how much he benefited from teammates. Somewhere else he might be only a 70 pt player.
On 2C—- Bennett and grandlund are the only 2C UFAs out there. I have real concerns on grandlund. Anyone who gives Bennett $10M+ is going to regret it.
I could see Marner in Pittsburgh to put Crosby and company back in the playoff picture.
Uh, please NO Mitch Marner in Penguins uniform! Dubas press conference, This off-season Penguins not signing any high price ticket players (UFAs). Penguins cap space over 20 million priority need Defensemen and maybe Center.
And Marner alone isn’t going to turn that franchise around.
Dan agree with your take with Marner gonna regret it and rather have two $6 million or so wingers.
Comparison with two Penguins wingers last season’s stats:
Rikard Rakell 35 goals 35 assists for 70 points
Bryan Rust 31 goals 34 assists for 65 points
each of these wingers makes around 5 million per season
Mitch Marner 27 goals 75 assists for 102 points (career high in points). 27 goals less than either Rakell or Rust. Marner only scored 30 goals twice (30 goals and 35 goals) in regular season.
Marner contract average per season 10.9 million now wants 13 to 14 million per season. Why would Marner be worth more than 2.5 times either Rakell or Rust average per season?
Yet Pittsburgh with those wingers didn’t make the playoffs. You are comparing different type of players, Marner is distributor- whereas rust and Rakall are not .
He is worth whatever one wants to pay him-
Most teams would love to have a guy like Marner on their team- question becomes can they afford him ?
You don’t need the government to get involved in the taxes
What has to been done thé NHL along with NHLPA has to do something along these lines.
Take the average – tax rate in the NHL – let’s say 30% – all teams having higher taxes, can spend the difference over salary cap. Those under would have to reduce the salary cap –
Montreal has a tax rate of 50% – so they could spend an additional 20% – and so on –
Marner coming state side may lead to a lower overall cap hit. $12-14 mil makes sense in the Canadian market. I don’t know that many teams are going to be willing to give him a long term contract at that price in the US considering his stats will most likely decline as he is at the peak of his career (and an unknown away from Nylander and Mathews).
He’d be a difference maker on a lot of teams but Detroit really lacks the kind of top line talent Marner brings. They have a lot of middle six guys playing top 6 minutes. A top six that includes Larkin, Raymond, Kane, DeBrincat AND Marner would vault them from a bubble team to a lock for the playoffs. They also have the #1 D prospect in the world coming up this year (Axel Sandin Penlikka) who looks to be of the Lane Hutson/Cale Makar variety. Add him to Seider, Edvinsson and the Wings D is already deeper than most of the Leafs D corps Marner played in front of.
Detroit is also fairly close to where he grew up so he may take a just over the border home town discount.