The Mikko Rantanen trade brought up NHL speculation about the future of the Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner. Mitch Marner [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyNDYxNDQ0NTAxOTM5NzIx/usatsi_25244995_168400847_lowres.jpg] Mitch Marner The Colorado Avalanche trading Mikko Rantanen last Friday to the Carolina Hurricanes prompted some observers to wonder [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-rumor-roundup-the-aftermath-of-the-rantanen-trade] if it might affect Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marner, 27, is slated to become a UFA on July 1 unless he signs an extension with the Leafs beforehand. Adam Proteau acknowledged [https://thehockeynews.com/news/if-maple-leafs-cant-re-sign-marner-hell-command-a-kings-ransom-on-trade-market] Marner could fetch a king's ransom if the Maple Leafs shopped before the March 7 NHL trade deadline. However, he pointed out the talented two-way right winger has a full no-movement clause and isn't interested in getting traded. Nevertheless, one of the three teams involved in the Rantanen deal could be interested in Marner if he hits the open market on July 1. According to Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus of The Athletic, the Chicago Blackhawks could pursue [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6089407/2025/01/26/blackhawks-mikko-rantanen-nhl-free-agency/?source=emp_shared_article] Marner and Rantanen if they become UFAs. Powers and Lazerus don't believe that pursuing big-ticket UFAs in the prime of their careers means the Blackhawks must derail their rebuild. However, they need someone who can play with young star Connor Bedard, take pressure off their other young players as they develop, and excite Chicago fans. PuckPedia indicates [https://thehockeynews.com/lineups/central/chicago-blackhawks-projected-lineup-and-depth-chart] the Blackhawks have $28 million in projected cap space for next season at the current ceiling of $88 million. That becomes $32.4 million if the cap rises to $92.4 million as NHL commissioner Gary Bettman forecasted last month. That's plenty of cap room to sign a star like Marner or Rantanen. Meanwhile, Leafs GM Brad Treliving is shopping for a reliable third-line center. Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon listed possible options [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/which-trade-targets-are-best-fits-for-maple-leafs-at-centre/]. They included centers signed beyond this season like Nashville's Ryan O'Reilly and Philadelphia's Scott Laughton, although neither team is in a rush to move either guy. He also listed Seattle's Yanni Gourde, Boston's Trent Frederic, Utah's Nick Bjugstad and Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders as expensive rentals. Dixon's colleague, Elliotte Friedman, wondered [https://www.sportsnet.ca/podcasts/32-thoughts/any-chance-joey-daccord-is-swedish-too/] if San Jose's Luke Kunin could be on the Leafs' radar. The 27-year-old Sharks center is a versatile, two-way center with an affordable cap hit of $2.75 million through next season. Turning to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby surfaced in the rumor mill almost immediately following the Rantanen trade. The Athletic's Josh Yohe observed [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6087837/2025/01/27/penguins-avalanche-sidney-crosby-trade-rumors/] Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli made a cryptic tweet claiming “an impeccable source” told him the Rantanen trade wasn't the only deal on the table at the time. That prompted some observers to suggest the Penguins would trade their captain to the Avalanche. Yohe dismissed the speculation, pointing to Crosby's comments earlier in the season indicating he pays no attention to trade rumors. “I've said I'm always going to be here,” said the Penguins superstar. “I just signed a new contract to be here. I've been very upfront about it – I'm a Pittsburgh Penguin.” Crosby also has a full no-movement clause in his current contract and in his new one, which begins on July 1. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyMDk0MTI4NDI5NzM3OTYw/googlenews.png] Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [https://info.thehockeynews.com/mail/microsites/951/1/gTeQVf?_gl=1*ustlbj*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_PK63FB1PME*MTcxMzUwOTExNi40NDguMS4xNzEzNTA5MjA5LjU5LjAuMA..]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum [https://thehockeynews.rtb.io/THNHOME/posts].
