Hurricanes could reportedly take ‘massive swing’ at Mitch Marner in free agency with seven-year contract at above $14 million per season

Mitch Marner will be the NHL’s most coveted unrestricted free agent when he hits the market in 16 days. The 28-year-old star winger is not expected to return to his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs after a tumultuous nine seasons full of several playoff failures.

One of the primary suitors for Marner is likely to be another Eastern Conference club, as The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reports that the Carolina Hurricanes are ready to drop a boatload of cash at Marner’s doorstep. Per Pagnotta, the eventual contract offer from Carolina could see them paying Marner over $14 million against the salary cap per season.

“When/if Mitch Marner hits the open market July 1, the expectation is the Carolina Hurricanes are going to take a massive swing to try and sign him,” Pagnotta tweeted. “Sources say we shouldn’t be surprised if they go above $14M on an AAV over a 7-year term. UFA market opens in 18 days.”

The Hurricanes previously showed interest in Marner at the most recent trade deadline, putting together the framework of a deal that would have sent Mikko Rantanen to Toronto for Marner. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving asked Marner if he’d waive his no-trade clause, and he declined to do so.

Marner is coming off a career-best 102-point (27g, 75a) season and added 13 points (2g, 11a) in 13 playoff games. He led the team in scoring and played at all three strengths, averaging the third-most ice time per game of any Maple Leafs player (21:19) and most among only the team’s forwards.

“I’ve always loved my time here. I’ve loved being here,” Marner said after Toronto’s second-round playoff series loss to the Florida Panthers. “I’ve been so grateful. I haven’t processed anything yet. It’s still so fresh.”

The Hurricanes defeated the New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals in series to make the Eastern Conference Finals before being eliminated by the Panthers. According to PuckPedia, Carolina is expected to have over $28.4 million in cap space this summer, freeing them up to offer Marner a substantial contract.

Carolina is expected to face competition from the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and Detroit Red Wings, among other teams vying for Marner’s services.