The Toronto Maple Leafs might have a problem on their hands—Mitch Marner is reportedly “more than willing” to test free agency when his contract expires after the 2024-25 season. NHL insider Chris Johnston dropped the bombshell on TSN’s Overdrive, suggesting that Marner could be one of the biggest names to hit the open market in years.
If he goes, he won’t come cheap. With Mikko Rantanen recently locking in an eight-year, $96 million deal in Dallas, Marner’s next contract could be just as jaw-dropping.
“It really depends on the conversation happening on June 1st when it’s just Toronto that can deal with him or happening on July 1st when you got the entire market,” Johnston said. “My impression right now is that Mitch Marner is more than willing to go to market.
Marner has been tearing it up lately, scoring 18 goals and 55 assists (73 points) so far this season—25 of those points on the power play. He’s on pace for his first 100-point season, and after a solid performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off, his confidence is sky-high.
“And if he gets to true open market, I mean think of our sport, does not happen too often, right? A guy in his prime, looks like he’s going to have a 100+ point season, we’ll what’s to come, maybe he’s coming off great playoffs soon, lots of outcomes here.”
Here's the full conversation around Mitch Marner and the possible correlation to Mikko Rantanen's contract extension: pic.twitter.com/wzI00I5qHJ
— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) March 8, 2025
Former NHLer Frank Corrado couldn’t help but point out an ironic twist—Marner has been thriving in Boston of all places.
“All of a sudden, this guy loves playing in Boston,” Corrado joked on Overdrive, noting Marner’s recent OT winner against the Bruins and his clutch assist for Team Canada at TD Garden.
Mitch Marner has the opportunity to tweak his playoff repertoire
Marner’s talent is undeniable, but the big question remains—can he deliver when it matters most? Leafs fans remember last year’s first-round playoff exit against the Bruins all too well. Marner was quiet offensively, and that’s been a recurring issue in the postseason.
However, Corrado believes this version of Marner—more confident, sharper, and playing “a step ahead”—could be different. If he finally shakes off his playoff struggles, not only will the Leafs benefit, but his free-agent value could skyrocket.
“You know, I saw a tweet at last night. You know, Mitch Marner has the winner (assist) for Team Canada in Boston, scored last night, the winner in Boston. All of a sudden, this guy loves playing in Boston,” Frank Corrado said. “It’s crazy to think you know what a turnaround that could be.”
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The Rantanen Factor
Just when you thought the Marner sweepstakes were already getting interesting, Darren Dreger threw in another curveball on First Up—Mikko Rantanen reportedly wants to play with Auston Matthews.
If Rantanen somehow finds his way to Toronto, where does that leave Marner? Do the Leafs commit to keeping him, or does this signal a shift where Toronto lets him walk and makes a play for Rantanen instead?
With the Leafs’ core at a crossroads, Marner’s future might not just depend on Toronto’s decisions—but also on what his buddy Matthews and Rantanen want to do.
General Manager Brad Treliving now faces a massive decision—extend Marner before he gets a chance to test the open market, or risk losing a homegrown superstar for nothing?
Also Read: Maple Leafs Midseason Roundup: Why exactly the Leafs are thriving this season
If Marner hits free agency, the bidding war will be fierce, and teams will be lining up to throw money at him. One thing is certain—whether in Toronto or elsewhere, Marner is about to get paid.