Colorado Avalanche are eyeing this star forward in free agency

However, with free agency approaching, one potential target who could help fill the void left by Rantanen is Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner.

Caleb Kerney from Yahoo Sports writes that there are several reasons why this makes sense. First, 100-point players are rare and highly valuable. Teams aiming to contend need as much offensive firepower as possible, and having players who can either score or create scoring opportunities is absolutely essential.

Playmaking is the cornerstone of Marner's game, as evidenced by his impressive assist totals over the past four seasons: 62, 69, 59, and 75 respectively.

During the 2024-25 regular season, Marner led the Toronto Maple Leafs in several key categories: total points (102), assists (75), even-strength points (67), and power-play points (33). He also logged the most ice time among all Leafs forwards, averaging 21:19 per game, including 2:09 of shorthanded time per game.

Kerney also writes that this criticism of Marner is unfair. He has produced at a strong pace in the playoffs, tallying 13 points in 12 games this season and posting 14 points in 11 games just two postseasons ago.

It's fair to say that Marner hasn't matched Rantanen's playoff success over the course of their careers. Rantanen has amassed 120 points in 93 postseason games, while Marner has recorded 63 points in 69 playoff appearances.

Former Leafs forward Zach Hyman is a prime example of a player who reshaped his playoff narrative after leaving Toronto. He registered just 13 points in 32 playoff games with the Maple Leafs but has since produced 57 points in 64 postseason games with the Edmonton Oilers.

Maybe Marner will follow in his former teammates' footsteps.

We'll have to wait and see how far Marner and the Maple Leafs go in the playoffs before making any sort of assessment on where he might end up next season.

Source:
Yahoo Sports
Avalanche Would Be An Outstanding Fit For Marner