Earlier this week, it was reported that Mitch Marner’s camp had not engaged in contract talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs. It seemed certain that the 28-year-old winger would move on to another club when free agency begins on July 1.
However, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Tuesday that Marner had not informed the Leafs that he wouldn’t return. He added that they could still be part of the bidding when he goes to market.
Dreger also indicated that Marner and his representatives intend to take their time fielding contract offers and visiting with the interested clubs, planning to reach a decision by mid-July.
The Marner camp may be willing to keep the Maple Leafs in the mix, but they could move on without him by July 1. Whatever they do leading up to that date will be the determining factor.
PuckPedia indicates the Leafs have $25.7 million in cap space with 17 active roster players under contract. Part of it will go toward a new contract for RFA power forward Matthew Knies, and perhaps re-signing UFA forwards John Tavares and Max Pacioretty to affordable short-term deals.
The rest could be used to attempt a major acquisition via trade at the upcoming NHL Draft (June 27-28) or via free agency.
Sam Bennett could become a Leafs target if the Florida Panthers center tests the market on July 1. However, the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner reportedly doesn’t have Toronto on his list of preferred destinations.
Maple Leafs Snubbed? Sam Bennett Reportedly Has No Interest In Toronto If He Hits Free AgencyWhen the Toronto Maple Leafs look for free agents to sign on July 1, they’ll no doubt go big game hunting. And while the Leafs would certainly be interested in a player like Sam Bennett, it appears the feeling isn’t mutual. According to FanDuel Sports reporter Andy Strickland, Bennett does not have Toronto on his list of possible destinations if he is unable to sign an extension with the Florida Panthers.
Speaking of UFA forwards, Brock Boeser will be among the notable names available on July 1. The 28-year-old right winger has scored 20-plus goals six times in his nine seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, including a career-best 40 goals in 2023-24.
Ben Kuzma of The Province wonders if Boeser might head to New York and reunite with former Canucks teammate J.T. Miller, who was traded to the Rangers in January. He pointed out they could use a top-six scoring winger after shipping Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks last week.
Kuzma projected Boeser could seek a long-term deal with an average annual value of $8.5 million on his next contract. If so, that could put him out of the Rangers’ price range.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported the Rangers have around $14.5 million in cap space after re-signing center Matt Rempe earlier this week. He anticipates part of that will go toward re-signing RFAs Will Cuylle and K’Andre Miller, or Miller’s replacement if he’s traded.
It could take up $10 million of their cap space to retain Cuylle and Miller, leaving little to add Boeser without making another cost-cutting trade.
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