Elliotte Friedman Reveals Plan B Target for Teams Missing Out on Mitch Marner originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Mitch Marner sweepstakes could dominate NHL free agency headlines, but teams unwilling — or unable — to win the race for the Toronto Maple Leafs star forward could already be preparing fallback plans.

With Mitch Marner reportedly heading to free agency on July 1, Canadian NHL teams are lining up for a shot. Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and Calgary Flames are expected to court the Toronto Maple Leafs star.

Mitch Marner's teammates with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who may not be his teammates much longer, dropped a major hint about his next destination. The Toronto

Until now, the assumption around Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner's looming free agency was clear in what he was chasing in the open market. The Maple Leafs forward, according to most reports, is widely expected to try and land a maximum-term, maximum-money contract when he hits the open market July 1.

Elliotte Friedman joined Matt Marchese and Mike Futa on The FAN Hockey Show to discuss the 2026 Olympic preliminary rosters and the Mitch Marner conundrum. While on the show, Friedman once again expressed concern regarding the health of veteran defenseman Alex Pietrangelo.

Mitch Marner becomes eligible to sign with any team on July. 1 and as the free agency window approaches, the situation revolving around the most sought-after free agent and the Vegas Golden Knights has become clearer.