Oilers may be pursuing star from Canadian team headed to free agency this offseason
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The Edmonton Oilers will have a boatload of salary cap space this coming offseason, and are being linked to pursuing a contract with Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs if he reaches free agency.
The Oilers were reportedly close to acquiring star forward Mikko Rantanen with a contract extension in place, which could lead them to pivot to signing Marner instead.
Edmonton Oilers linked to signing Mitch Marner in free agency
If the Oilers had the will and salary cap space to pursue a star player like Mikko Rantanen, they'll surely be looking at other star additions possible this summer - and it's looking like Mitch Marner will be heading to free agency.
According to reports from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Mitch Marner is willing to re-sign in Toronto, but contract negotiations have been difficult. Marner was officially asked to waive his no-move clause, indicating the Leafs aren't sure they can keep him.
The Hurricanes initially asked for Mitch Marner in return for Rantanen. Because it was for Rantanen, the Maple Leafs had to consider it. They told the winger their desire is to sign him, but they had to ask in this case. As is his right, Marner declined to move, re-iterating his desire to stay.
Marner's contract talks with the Leafs in the past have famously been difficult, and it's very possible the team isn't willing to re-sign him at his dollar demand come the offseason.
If Marner hits free agency, Edmonton Oilers should be an interested team
The Oilers won't just got from trying to add Mikko Rantanen to giving up on the idea of adding a top six star player. If Marner hits free agency, the Oilers will certainly be talking with him.
Marner has a connection with Connor McDavid from their time with Team Canada, and was a long term teammate of Zach Hyman. Marner is a very talented playmaker who could excel with either McDavid or Draisaitl - but there is a concern about his play in the playoffs.
It would be electric if the Oilers were able to patch a star player from a Canadian rival in free agency, and add a player of Marner's calibre without giving up any assets. With the rising salary cap and their interest in Rantanen, it seems very possible this summer.
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