It’s time for another edition of NHL Rumours. While the Stanley Cup Final continues, there’s plenty to discuss among teams that are already on the golf course. A number of clubs took significant steps this season. Now, the off-season brings some tough decisions. Teams that are looking to improve their roster may need to bring out the checkbooks and be prepared to spend big. One team that’s in that position is the Anaheim Ducks. A big rumour this offseason is the Marner Anaheim Ducks rumour, with reports suggesting Anaheim could be making a record-setting offer for the star winger.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Ducks’ $14M Bid Fuels Marner Anaheim Ducks Rumour
Rumour: James Mirtle of The Athletic gave an update on how much the Anaheim Ducks may offer Mitch Marner. This bid could make the Ducks the high bidder for Marner’s services.
Analysis: Mitch Marner is The Athletic’s number one unrestricted free agent this offseason, and no one is going to disagree with them. Per Mirtle, Anaheim is positioning itself to make the highest bid for Marner, potentially offering an average annual value north of $14 million—which would eclipse Leon Draisaitl as the highest-paid player in NHL history. With over US $38 million in cap space, the Ducks are uniquely situated to make a splash. Mirtle notes that this offer would reflect not only financial muscle but a renewed mandate from ownership to contend as soon as next season.
For fans following the Marner Anaheim Ducks rumour, the potential fit makes sense when factoring in Anaheim’s market, cap flexibility, and need for a franchise winger. In the regular season, Marner tallied an impressive 27 goals and 75 assists for 102 points in 81 games, finishing 5th in league scoring and showing a +18 plus/minus. He reached the 100‑point milestone again, becoming just the fourth player in Maple Leafs history to do so. For reference, the Ducks leading scorer last year had half as many points. Further, the last time a Ducks player eclipsed 100 points was in 1998-1999 when Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne broke triple digits.
Why Would It Not Happen
Rumour: James Mirtle mentions why it could be a long shot to land Marner.
Analysis: Despite the potential payday, two major hurdles stand in the way: Anaheim’s competitiveness and market size. Anaheim hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2018, and despite promising young talent like Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, the Ducks remain a developing team. Marner, now 28 and at the prime of his career, could balk at joining a squad that isn’t currently competing for the Cup. Additionally, Marner has spent his career under the intense scrutiny of a hockey‑obsessed Toronto market. Though Anaheim is a sunny alternative, it can’t match Toronto’s media presence or status as a hockey hotbed. If national visibility and a fanbase that lives and breathes hockey still matter to Marner, the Ducks may fall short.
Why Could It Happen
Rumour: James Mirtle, Harman Dayal, and Eric Stephens of The Athletic also mention why it could happen.
Analysis: Still, there are solid reasons Marner could choose Anaheim. A seven-year deal at $14M AAV, plus security and prominence, is hard to pass up—especially if other contenders can’t match that financial commitment. Further, the Ducks are poised to challenge for a playoff spot. In Anaheim, Marner wouldn’t be just another veteran—he’d be “the guy” on offence, special teams, and a team leader. Third, after enduring Toronto’s relentless media cycle, Marner may welcome a more relaxed environment. Anaheim offers opportunity without overbearing pressure—a place to play the game on his terms and work on his tan.
What Would It Mean
Landing Marner would reshape the Ducks’ future. He’d likely play right wing on the top line with Carlsson and Gauthier—one of the NHL’s most exciting young trios. Marner would also lead the first power play unit and add punch to the penalty kill—units that were among the league’s worst last season. On the flip side, while Anaheim has plenty of cap space now, committing $14M to one player limits their ability to re-sign key young pieces like McTavish, Carlsson, or Gauthier in coming years. The team may face tough trade decisions to avoid losing talent for nothing.
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski
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