The Carolina Hurricanes are getting ready to make a massive splash in NHL free agency, preparing what could be a record-breaking offer for Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner.
The proposed deal? A whopping $14 million per year over seven years.
That’s the word from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, who says Carolina is dead set on landing the 28-year-old playmaker when free agency opens in 18 days.
Marner’s coming off an incredible season where he racked up 102 points and was basically Toronto’s MVP during the regular season. But things got complicated in the playoffs when he struggled against the Florida Panthers.
The Hurricanes aren’t the only ones who want him. The Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and the new Utah Mammoth are all expected to make a push for his services.
This isn’t the first time Carolina’s tried to get their hands on Marner. They previously talked to Toronto about a trade involving him and Mikko Rantanen. That deal fell through when Marner wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause. Rantanen ended up going to Dallas instead, where he quickly signed a $12 million-per-year deal.
There was even talk of a three-team trade between Carolina, Vegas, and Toronto, but it never got past the early stages.
“I think like everyone, saddened, devastated in a way,” Marner said back in May during Toronto’s end-of-season interviews. “It’s not easy. I’ve loved being here, I’m so grateful, but I haven’t talked to my family yet. It’s still so fresh.”
While he hasn’t completely ruled out staying with the Leafs, most insiders think he’s as good as gone. And who can blame him? He’s an elite playmaker who’s fantastic on the penalty kill, and a fresh start might be exactly what he needs.
If it’s about the money – and in pro sports, it usually is – Marner’s about to find himself in the middle of what could be one of the biggest bidding wars in NHL history.
