It was just confirmed for Mitch Marner and the Detroit Red Wings: per TSN insider
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With the Detroit Red Wings soon to have $20+ million in cap space, GM Steve Yzerman could lure forward Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs to Detroit.
Mitch Marner is a pending UFA at the end of the 2024-2025 season. His $10.9 million AAV deal will expire, and while he hasn't explicitly stated he doesn't plan on returning to Toronto, you get an idea of how it will play out.
Marner has had enough of the Maple Leafs and their fans, as he hasn't signed a new deal in Toronto.
Even after a 102-point season (27 goals, 75 assists), he's poised to find the best situation for himself. And a rebuilding team like Detroit might be an option for him.
According to reports by TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the
Red Wings have expressed interest in the forward.
While Marner could seek upwards of $13-14 million AAV on the open market, it's difficult to see how he could be lured here by
Yzerman.
He'd be an upgrade on the top-six immediately, and could provide a jolt of offense that's been missing for quite some time.
The only question it comes down to is if you can't sell them on the vision, how will you sell them on money?
Todd McLellan is a great coach and has turned this team around in a short period of time, but they're not in win-now mode.
So, will it come down to money or being part of a winning team in the future?
Either way, it'll be interesting to see if Yzerman can hit some of Marner's pain points during negotiations.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL |
MAI 25 | 95 ANSWERS It was just confirmed for Mitch Marner and the Detroit Red Wings: per TSN insider Should the Detroit Red Wings make forward Mitch Marner, a Toronto Maple Leaf and pending UFA, a contract offer in July? |
| Yes | 66 | 69.5 % |
| No | 29 | 30.5 % |
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