Detroit Red Wings deemed one of five off-season landing spots for Mitch Marner
The Toronto Maple Leafs' season ended with a 6-1 Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday.
The loss casts more doubt on Mitch Marner's future with the team, as if there already wasn't enough.
The 28-year-old star is fresh off his first 100-point season, and faces free agency.
His emotional post-game comments hinted at a potential departure from Toronto.
As Marner prepares to test the market, the Detroit Red Wings are one of five teams poised to pursue the two-time All-Star, according to report from Sports Illustrated.
The Red Wings, led by GM Steve Yzerman are expected to spend big this offseason, and Marner could be the boost they need to push them into playoff contention for the first time in eight years.
The Red Wings are desperate to get back to the postseason after missing out in each of the last eight seasons. Adding some star power in the form of Marner could be exactly what Detroit needs to get over the hump. The team figures to be willing to spend in the offseason, though they would need to find a way to offload some less desirable contracts to do so. A prolific player like Marner could be exactly what they need.
The Red Wings are desperate to get back to the postseason after missing out in each of the last eight seasons. Adding some star power in the form of Marner could be exactly what Detroit needs to get over the hump. The team figures to be willing to spend in the offseason, though they would need to find a way to offload some less desirable contracts to do so. A prolific player like Marner could be exactly what they need.
Marner could provide help to their penalty kill, which Detroit holds the league-worst 70.3% penalty kill rate, despite their NHL-leading power play goals last season.
Clearing cap space by moving contracts will be key
The Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, and Utah Mammoth are also named prime landing spots.
Previously on Detroit Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
MAI 19 | 191 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings deemed one of five off-season landing spots for Mitch Marner Do you think Mitch Marner is worth $13M or more in free agency? | ||
| Yes | 50 | 26.2 % |
| No | 141 | 73.8 % |
| List of polls | ||