Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner is set to become one of the best players available in NHL free agency this offseason, having already been linked to multiple teams. Given how high the reported bidding war could get, it’s no surprise that a return to Toronto seems to be off the table.
James Mirtle of The Athletic reports that the Anaheim Ducks are considering a contract offer valued at more than $14 million per season. If they follow through on that consideration, it would make Marner the highest-paid NHL player for the 2025-26 season.
Related: Latest on Mitch Marner’s future, potential replacement for Toronto Maple Leafs
- Mitch Marner stats: 102 points (75 assists, 27 goals), +18 plus/minus, 6 power-play goals, 7 game-winning goals, 15.6% shooting rate, 4 blocks, 49 hits, 56 takeaways, 106 giveaways
Right now, per PuckPedia.com, Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl is the highest-paid player in hockey with a $14 million AAV. Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews ($13.25 million) is the only other player making at least $13 million per season.
Matthews is a perennial All-Star selection; Draisaitl led the NHL with 52 goals this season and holds the NHL single-season record for overtime goals (six) and points (nine), and he’s tied the single playoff record for overtime goals (three) and points (four). Marner, age 28, is a three-time All-Star who has scored just three goals in his past 20 playoff games for the under-achieving Maple Leafs..
Read More: Insider sheds light on Sam Bennett potentially hitting NHL free agency
- Anaheim Ducks cap space 2025 (PuckPedia): $38.69 million
However, the price tag is a reflection of the skyrocketing NHL salary cap. It’s increasing over the next three seasons from $88 million (2024-25) to $113.5 million (2027-28 season), including a $95.5 million cap next season.
If Marner receives a multi-year extension with a $14.5 million AAV, his deal will account for 15.18 percent of the salary cap next season and dip much further below that in the following years. So, while many will see it as an overpay, it’s a reflection of where salaries are headed for players in the seasons to come.
Related: Top forwards in NHL free agency, see where Mitch Marner ranks