In the wake of Toronto's second-round playoff loss [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/the-toronto-maple-leafs-stanley-cup-window-has-slammed-shut] to Florida, Mitch Marner's name has been all over the headlines. The gifted right winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and will undoubtedly command even more than the $10.9 million per year he was making on his expiring deal. The possibility that Marner re-signs in Toronto is very real, but where could he land if he chooses to go elsewhere? Is it the end of the 'Core Four' era for the Toronto Maple Leafs? Here are three potential landing spots. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS The Hawks are rebuilding and will add another high-end asset with the third-overall pick in the 2025 draft, but the team also needs some forward momentum. Marner would be an excellent linemate for center Connor Bedard and take a lot of pressure off the young Hawks star. Bedard has a famously good shot, and Marner is a pinpoint passer. Chicago [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks] was a bottom-10 offense in 2024-25, so Marner and his 100-point range would certainly help. DETROIT RED WINGS The Red Wings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings] had the worst penalty kill in the NHL this season, and Marner would immediately help in that category. He would also bolster a mediocre offense and potentially help Detroit get over that hump to finally make the post-season during the 'Yzerplan' era. Now, would Marner want to play in the same division as the Maple Leafs? A fair question, but also a possible motivation for the winger. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS I assumed the Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins] wouldn't have the cap space to pull this off, but they actually do – a benefit of having your all-time great captain on a bargain of an $8.7-million cap hit. Marner would jump-start Pittsburgh's moribund offense and its so-so penalty kill, while also giving Sidney Crosby an elite winger to play off as Sid continues to dazzle in his late thirties. And, of course, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas knows Marner all too well from his time in Toronto. Mitch Marner (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/977b22c2-4e57-46c9-bd00-720c6f8e59b9.jpeg] Mitch Marner (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images) Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
