Insider: Maple Leafs' Division Rival Darkhorse To Sign Marner

It is no secret that the Ottawa Senators are looking to make a splash this offseason, like a number of teams are. They already made more of an even exchange with the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline, but this upgrade could be a major swing for them. According to Jeff Marek, the Senators are a darkhorse for Marner as ownership would love to make a splash.

Signing the top free agent this year would definitely be a splash. This would mean that someone would likely have to be moved out to make room for Marner's cap hit as well as filling some other holes in the lineup. Ottawa would need to re-sign or sign a few depth forward pieces including Fabian Zetterlund. This would also mean that Claude Giroux would be headed to free agency without a contract from the Senators.

The great thing that Ottawa has going for them is that all of their core players that were major factors in the turnaround this season are all signed for multiple more years at $8.35 million AAV or less. That does leave room for a big contract like the one Marner will receive for seven years to put them over the top.

Marner would replace Giroux in the lineup and either play on the top line or second line with top power-play time as well. If the Senators are even that serious about adding Marner, it would put their depth at risk and the team could be very top heavy, something the Toronto Maple Leafs have been for a number of years with big contracts to their stars.

The Senators would be a better team with Marner, that's for sure because of what he at least brings during the regular season. Maybe in a new environment, he will have less pressure than he does in Toronto and be able to step up in the playoffs. Many of the Senators got their first taste of the playoffs this season, so Marner would also bring a lot of playoff experience with him. Ottawa is one of many who have been rumored to be targeting Marner if he makes it to free agency, so we'll see who comes out on top.