Overview

• Marner is weighing a sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights to secure an eight-year maximum-term deal under NHL rules
• Insiders report he could instead opt for a two-year contract worth $12–13 million annually to leverage projected salary cap increases
• The Columbus Blue Jackets have emerged as a dark-horse contender with a rumored seven-year, $14.5 million average annual value offer
• Dialogue between John Tavares’s camp and the Maple Leafs has grown more contentious, with Tavares prepared to take under-market money during ongoing debates over term and structure
• Toronto is exploring veteran additions such as Claude Giroux to bolster its lineup as key forwards enter free agency