Surprising darkhorse enters Mitch Marner sweepstakes to make a splash!

Most hockey fans expected forward Mitch Marner to test free agency on July 1st and not return to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and several teams, like the Los Angeles Kings or Vegas Golden Knights, have already been mentioned as possible landing spot. However, Jeff Marek believes one surprising darkhorse has entered the race.

According to Marek, Marner could join the Leafs regional rival, Ottawa. He believes the Senators would “love to make a splash” this summer and get a major asset. Marner will be the most coveted free agent in this offseason’s class and will be targeted by more than half the teams across the league, including Toronto who have not ruled out bringing Marner back.

We might get a battle of Ontario off the ice for Marner’s services.

This past spring, the Sens were eliminated from the postseason by the Maple Leafs when the two Ontario teams faced off in the first round of the playoffs.

There is no doubt that Marner would be a sensational addition to the Senators' roster as they are young, but more than ready to compete for a Stanley Cup.

We all know that many suitors are going to come for Marner, who recorded 27 goals and a career-high 102 points in 81 games with the Maple Leafs this season while playing out the last of a of a six-year, $65.41 million contract that carried an annual cap hit of $10.9 million .The 28-year-old forward added two goals and 13 points in 13 playoff games. He has to know how much he is worth on the open market. Some insiders believe he could land around $14 million per season as a free agent.

Let’s see what happens with Marner this summer, as other clubs, including Vegas, Los Angeles and Utah Mammoth are expected to make him an offer once free agency opens.

And add to that list the Senators!