With significant salary cap flexibility this offseason, the Carolina Hurricanes are expected to make a push for Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner if he reaches free agency on July 1. This is according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, who noted that the Hurricanes trying to trade for Marner at the NHL Trade Deadline was likely not the last of their interest in the dynamic forward.
The Hurricanes Have Loads of Cap Space
LeBrun specifically reported that the Hurricanes are projected to have approximately $36 million in available cap space, largely due to young talent like Logan Stankoven still being on entry-level contracts. Even if the team were to sign all of their pending unrestricted free agents, there would be ample room to go after Marner.
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It is expected the Hurricanes will try to extend Taylor Hall, Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov, and Frederik Andersen. After that, the team is expected to take some big swings.
LeBrun confirmed that general manager Eric Tulsky is expected to be aggressive in adding a top-tier player this summer. Tulsky hinted that these would be two very different offseasons as the team’s GM. This upcoming summer will include trying to add significant pieces beyond just retaining their own players. Marner is expected to be the biggest name available on the market.
LeBrun noted:
“Yeah, I’ll say it—if Mitch Marner does go to market this summer, I would expect the Hurricanes to be one of the teams trying to be on his list.”
Hurricanes Wanted to Make the Marner Trade for a Reason
Carolina’s interest in Marner at the deadline was believed to be, in some respects, a way to salvage a miscalculation on Mikko Rantanen. Had the Hurricanes signed Rantanen to a long-term deal, they would have looked great having made the trade with Colorado. Instead, Rantanen informed the Hurricanes of his desire to leave and he was traded to Dallas. However, the Hurricanes’ ongoing interest in Marner suggests a trade was about more than optics.
It’s not clear if Marner chose not to accept a trade to Carolina — Marner declined to waive his no-trade clause when asked — or if it was about making a run with Toronto. However, many insiders question his long-term status with the Maple Leafs, opening the door for Marner to accept offers from other clubs. The Hurricanes will be among the suitors aiming to lure him away, and it will be intriguing to see if Marner gives them serious consideration.
LeBrun added, “So, watch out—Carolina is trying to take big swings, and they will do that again this summer.”
How Marner Fits Into Carolina’s Plans
Marner, 28, is one of the most skilled playmakers in the NHL. He’s proving to be a consistent point-per-game player with elite two-way ability. His strong offense and defense make him a perfect fit for Carolina’s puck-possession system. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have been trying to add an elite-level star for some time. They’re willing to pay big money to land one.
As good as they are, Carolina has arguably lacked a true game-breaking forward in the playoffs. Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov are great players, but adding someone of Marner’s caliber could provide the offensive spark needed to push Carolina over the top.
While Carolina is positioned to make a serious run at Marner, they won’t be the only team interested. Other teams with cap space, including the Chicago Blackhawks, Utah Hockey Club, and Boston Bruins, could also explore signing the dynamic winger. What makes Carolina interesting is how strong a team they already are. That’s a big advantage over these other clubs, who in many cases are still rebuilding or about to go through a serious retool.
LeBrun noted that the Hurricanes want to take a serious step toward consistent Stanley Cup contention. If Marner becomes available, he noted “Yeah, I’ll say it—the Hurricanes are probably not done chasing Mitch.”