As July 1 approaches, the likelihood of Mitch Marner reaching unrestricted free agency continues to grow—and the Anaheim Ducks may be preparing to pounce.
Marner, 28, is one of the most skilled UFAs to hit the market in recent memory. A dynamic winger with a 98-point pace over the past five seasons, he also brings elite two-way play, ranking among the NHL’s top penalty killers and earning a Selke Trophy finalist nod in 2023.
Should he become available, the bidding war could rival recent UFA frenzies for Johnny Gaudreau, Artemi Panarin, or John Tavares. One team consistently linked to Marner is Anaheim—and for good reason.
Anaheim Ducks Among Teams Pursuing Mitch Marner
According to TSN 1050’s Pierre LeBrun, multiple teams are showing early interest in Mitch Marner should he hit unrestricted free agency this summer. Among the clubs believed to be pursuing the dynamic winger are Anaheim, Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Marner himself is reportedly intrigued by the possibility of joining contenders such as Florida and Vegas, among others, signaling mutual interest from both rebuilding teams looking to add a franchise cornerstone and established contenders aiming to bolster their lineup with an elite two-way playmaker.
The Ducks boast a top-tier young core with recent high picks Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Cutter Gauthier, and Trevor Zegras all showing early promise. Defensemen Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov highlight a blue line loaded with upside, while goaltender Lukas Dostal has quietly posted solid numbers (.902 SV%, +7.3 GSAx).
Off the ice, Anaheim offers cap flexibility (nearly $39 million projected), strong ownership backing, and a relaxed media environment—far from the spotlight Marner has known in Toronto.
“We’ve told Pat [Verbeek], you will have the budget to make this a serious playoff team,” said owner Henry Samueli. “Do what it takes…sign big-name free agents, go for it.”
The hiring of three-time Stanley Cup-winning coach Joel Quenneville signals the Ducks are done rebuilding. As forward Frank Vatrano said of Quenneville: “He makes it really fun to come to the rink. He knows how to lift a team up at the right times.”
The odds Marner picks Anaheim may remain slim—but no team is better positioned to make the pitch. If Marner wants a fresh start, elite talent, and long-term upside, the Ducks might just be the perfect fit.