NHL Free Agency: Pacific Division Team Willing To Pay Big Money For Mitch Marner

As Mitch Marner inches closer to unrestricted free agency on July 1, the Anaheim Ducks are emerging as a dark horse contender to land the Maple Leafs star. 

Marner, a recent Selke finalist and one of the NHL's most productive two-way forwards, would immediately become the face of the franchise in Anaheim. With projected cap space nearing $39 million and ownership ready to "spend what it takes," the Ducks can match or exceed any offer. 

They're not just offering money—they're offering a fresh start in a lower-pressure market with blue-chip prospects and a respected new coach in Joel Quenneville.

Why Anaheim Makes Sense for Marner

The Ducks are quietly building something special. Their core features four recent top-10 picks—Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, and Trevor Zegras—plus standout young defensemen Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov, not to mention Jackson LaCombe, another defenseman who's quietly turning into an excellent player. 

Goalie Lukas Dostal, 24, has already shown he can hold down the crease. Add Marner to that mix, and Anaheim instantly jumps from rebuilding to relevant.

Frank Seravalli: Anaheim Ducks are a team to watch for Mitch Marner in addition to Vegas, Anaheim offers more anonymity and willing to pay big money - SN590

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) May 29, 2025

Beyond hockey, Anaheim offers something Toronto does not: peace and privacy. Or, however you want to put it. With a light media presence and sun-soaked lifestyle, Anaheim could be the perfect destination for Marner, if he truly wants to get away from the spotlight.

He’d also be coached by Quenneville, who helped stars like Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin thrive—and whose return signals Anaheim is serious about winning now.

Ducks Have Money, Momentum, and Motivation

Anaheim has one of the NHL’s healthiest financial outlooks. They’re $13 million below the cap floor and must spend big just to get compliant, giving GM Pat Verbeek the green light to make a splash. Owner Henry Samueli said it plainly: “You will have the budget you need... do what it takes to make us a contender.”

Mitch Marner prefers to pass the puck over firing a shot on net. When he does decide to shoot, it's often an impressive goal. None more so than this tally against the Sharks back in March. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/YgkxcmCbFP

— Maple Leafs Hotstove (@LeafsNews) June 7, 2020

The Ducks may not be the first team that comes to mind in a Marner sweepstakes, but their combination of runway, roster, and resources could make them the surprise winner.

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images