What does the future hold for Mitch Marner? That’s about the only question on every Maple Leafs fan’s mind out there. With his four-year contract with the Maple Leafs coming to an end this July, the hockey star’s next career phase is the talk of the town right now. And while many teams would undoubtedly nosedive trying to wriggle out a deal with Marner, a new name in the buyers’ market might be shaking things up violently.

“Yes, I want to be back,” said the Maple Leafs’ star just after the offseason came a-callin’ for Toronto. However, his reluctance to elaborate more on his future at the Canadian franchise sparked a lot of rumors on whether he would indeed be extending his contract with the Leafs, especially with Marner’s unrestricted free agency coming into effect from July 1. Among other names, the Vegas Golden Knights were being considered as the forerunners to rope in the 28-year-old right winger. But a surprising new name has surfaced that just might swoop in to capitalize on the situation.

“Anonymous NHL trade breaker” Hockeyy Insiderr posted on X on June 23 to reveal how a Metropolitan Division powerhouse might go after Mitch Marner ahead of the 2025-26 season. “Being told the @BlueJacketsNHL will present a 7 year / 14.5 million $ average offer to Marner and could emerge as a front runner,” the social media post claims.

Finishing in fourth place in their division, the Blue Jackets failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Surely, that’s why getting Marner on board seems like the right move, with team rebuilding being the ultimate goal for the Eastern Conference giant. With 102 points in the regular season (13 points in 13 postseason games), the emphatic winger could very well become the kick the Blue Jackets need in their system.

However, if the Blue Jackets indeed wish to sign Marner, they will have to fight tooth and nail to do so. Because…well, wasn’t the stat above enough to underscore why the Canadian star is on the radar of several NHL franchises? And they will come with all guns blazing once June ends, and Marner starts looking around to find his next camp.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars have also come up as a potential landing spot for the winger. But then again, the Stars have a limited cap space, which could seriously deter their plans to sign someone like Marner, who evidently has the likes of the Blue Jackets willing to spend a fortune to have him on their roster.

On the other hand, Sportsnet posits that the Maple Leafs should try to offer Marner an eight-year deal ($14 AAV) and then trade him. Toronto is in desperate need of restructuring its office, and Marner would be a talent that any team would love to have on their roster. Some seriously tense situation! However, while it remains to be seen how things unfold, one thing is for sure: Columbus will undoubtedly try its luck to make the next season better than the recent ones.

Mitch Marner or no Mitch Marner, the Blue Jackets have their eyes on the bigger prize

Since 2001, the Blue Jackets have had barely anything to boast about when it comes to postseason triumphs. But they do have the firepower to bring a change to the situation. Zach Werenski, a member of the national team that won the 2025 IIHF World Championship, explicitly noted that success on the international stage has made him hungry for club-level achievements. “It’s one of those things where you get reminded quickly how fun winning is, and I think for our group (in Columbus), we have to get back there. That’s where my mind’s at right now. I’m going to do whatever it takes to win,” The Columbus Dispatch quoted Werenski as saying.

The top brass at the Blue Jackets’ camp is also thinking similarly. From going after Rasmus Andersson to hoping to retain key defenders, Columbus’ authorities are looking to beef up the roster to the teeth for the next season. Amidst such a condition, Mitch Marner could be the factor that tips the scales and increases the team’s winning chances for the 2025-26 season.

The Carolina Hurricanes also have Marner in their sight and will make it difficult for Columbus to get the deal through. But with many NHL pundits suggesting that the Maple Leafs better revamp their roster, the Toronto team is also looking elsewhere to inject new blood into the system. From Brad Marchand to Sam Bennett, the Leafs have a lot of options to ponder.

So, how do you see things unfolding in the coming weeks? Where do you think Mitch Marner might end up at? Tell us in a comment.