According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, at least one Metropolitan Division team is going to make a strong push to land Maple Leafs pending UFA Mitch Marner.
Mitch Marner is going to have plenty of suitors come July 1st, with reports indicating the Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks and LA Kings are among them.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, however, there is one Metropolitan Division team that is going to make a major push for the 28-year-old's services after another disappointing playoff exit; the Carolina Hurricanes.
On Friday's edition of his 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman revealed that despite their failed attempt to land him at the deadline, the Carolina Hurricanes will once again inquire about Marner's services and willingness to play in a much quieter market than Toronto.
Mitch Marner Could be the Carolina Hurricanes' Answer in Their Quest to Acquire Some Star-Power
Initially, the Hurricanes landed Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche ahead of the trade deadline. Unfortunately, Rantanen was not fond of the team and wanted out, which forced the Hurricanes to trade him to the Dallas Stars. Notably, Marner declined to waive his no-movement clause to allow the Leafs to land Rantanen.
Carolina is reportedly near the top of Marner's list of teams he would consider going to, they have over $28M in cap space and can afford to make him the highest paid player in the NHL.
As the clock ticks down to July 1st, the Leafs are expected to receive clarity on Marner's decision, and once it is made public teams will begin selling the former first-round pick on their roster, market and plans to build around him which will create plenty of buzz until he makes a final decision.
