Sharks eye Mitch Marner with bold interest amid $40M free agency flex | NHL News
The 2025 NHL free agency frenzy is underway, and Mitch Marner is firmly at the center of it. After a 100-point season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Marner is drawing league-wide interest including from the cap-rich San Jose Sharks, a surprising suitor with money to spend and a bold vision for the future.
Sharks could make record-breaking offer for Mitch Marner
According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, the Sharks are in the mix for Marner and could become one of the more aggressive bidders. With an estimated $40 million in cap space, San Jose is in a rare position to outspend nearly any team. Marner’s projected value stands at $14 million per year, a figure that would make him the highest-paid winger in NHL history.While Johnston noted he’d be “surprised” if Marner chose a team coming off a rebuild, San Jose presents a compelling case. Their most valuable asset is Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Pairing a proven veteran like Mitch Marner with a rising franchise cornerstone gives the Sharks a realistic pathway to accelerate their rebuild and shift their competitive timeline forward.
What Mitch Marner could mean for the Sharks’ long-term future
Mitch Marner’s skill set fits seamlessly into what the San Jose Sharks desperately need—elite playmaking, two-way reliability, and proven leadership. A consistent top-line performer, Marner brings experience from deep playoff runs and years of top-tier production in Toronto. His ability to control the pace, create high-danger scoring chances, and kill penalties makes him one of the most complete players available in the 2025 NHL free agency class.For the Sharks, adding Marner would instantly elevate their top-six forward group. Alongside rookie center Macklin Celebrini, the 2024 first-overall pick, Marner could form one of the NHL’s most exciting young duos. His presence would also serve as a powerful signal that the Sharks are shifting from long-term rebuild mode to a more aggressive, win-now approach.Also Read: Mitch Marner sends emotional 5-word message as Matt Martin announces NHL retirementSan Jose has remained quiet in big-name markets for years, but now they’re armed with nearly $40 million in cap space, giving them unmatched financial leverage. If they’re serious about chasing Marner, they could table a record-setting contract offer.
