Why the New York Rangers Should Not Waste Their Time on Mitch Marner
In 2025’s competitive free agent market, there are names the Blueshirts shouldn’t break a sweat over.
The name on everyone’s lips this NHL offseason is none other than Mitch Marner. Despite a bitter playoff exit, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward is fresh off a 102-point season and a Selke Trophy nomination in 2024. He will reportedly not stay with his hometown team and hit the open market in free agency. So, naturally, every team in the league is scrambling to put together an offer this belle of the ball can’t refuse.
The New York Rangers are among the wealthy suitors vying to add potentially $13-14 million to their cap space. Chris Drury is clearing shop ahead of July 1, shipping out Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks just last week to free up $6.5 million worth of breathing room. Now rumors swirl about other big names in the Big Apple like K’Andre Miller and Alexis Lafrenière. After the embarrassment of last offseason’s fumble of a Jacob Trouba trade, it’s clear that Drury is doing his homework, so the open market is his oyster.
A handful of pundits and guys in their parents’ basements with keyboards have floated the restructuring Blueshirts as a potential landing spot for the 28-year-old Marner. And as someone who has covered both the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs for the past few years, this may just be the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard. Let’s break down why.
1. The Spotlight of Broadway Burns Too Bright
Mitch Marner has taken a lot of heat over the years playing in hockey’s biggest market. He’s been Toronto’s perennial scapegoat, taking on hoards of criticism, even when there isn’t much weight behind the hate. Admittedly, the winger has been streaky in the playoffs for the past few years, but homophobic slurs, debates over his familial relationships, and armed carjackings shouldn’t be on the table when critiquing a player’s performance on the ice.
New York isn’t quite the same pressure cooker as Toronto. There is a certain degree of anonymity Marner would be granted playing in Manhattan, which could be appealing for someone looking for a quiet change of scenery.
After this past season, however, all eyes are on the Rangers as the hockey world waits to see how the team recovers. Even at the best of times, the Blueshirts are one of the most well-known teams in the States. When things go wrong, people watch like it’s the French gallows.
We have seen how this market treats its players quite vividly over the last few years. Between Jacob Trouba and Mika Zibanejad, there are plenty of examples of fans and media going too far with their analysis. Family and mental toughness are not off limits here. Not to mention, there is notable toxicity even within the organization that leaves any free agent weary. It’s difficult to see why Marner would even want to sign with what is ostensibly the American Leafs.
