Unexpected Team Enters Sweepstakes for Mitch Marner as Free Agency Quickly Approaches

One of the main storylines as the NHL free agency period approaches is going to be what Toronto Maple Leafs pending UFA forward Mitch Marner decides to do.

By all indications, it appears as though Marner has closed the door on the Maple Leafs' chapter of his career and is ready to move on to a new team, especially after he cancelled his annual charity event in Toronto.

He's been linked to several teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, and even the Utah Mammoth.

However, a new surprise team has reportedly shown interest in signing Marner, and it's the same team who previously tried to sign Marner's teammate (and fellow pending UFA) John Tavares in the summer of 2018.

Per NHL analyst Chris Johnston, the San Jose Sharks are going to attempt to reach out to Marner.

The Sharks, who hold the No. 2 overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and who already selected Macklin Celebrini last summer with the 1st overall pick, have over $41 million worth of cap space to work with and could present Marner with a formidable offer that would be hard to turn down.

Not only would he get to play with a young player like Celebrini, but would also have far less pressure upon his shoulders as opposed to the media fish bowl of Toronto.

The Sharks were one of a handful of teams who pressed hard to sign Tavares in 2018, even reportedly offering him an AAV (average annual value) of $13 million over 7 years.

Tavares would choose to sign with the Maple Leafs instead - and now, the Sharks could have a prime chance to take another swing for the fences in free agency.