Elliotte Friedman Reveals a Darkhorse Team is Preparing a Major Push for Mitch Marner

Mitch Marner is fresh off a season in which he finished with 27 goals, 75 assists, and 102 points. It was the best campaign of his career, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

As of July 1st, the superstar winger will be allowed to explore free agency, and he is expected to receive some significant offers. In fact, some insiders think desperate teams will offer upwards of $15 million per season.

Having said that, Marner has a wish list of teams he would like to play for. At the top of this list are the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers.

There is one darkhorse team at the top of this list who are looking to make a huge splash in the offseason. According to Elliotte Friedman, that team would be the Utah Mammoth.

The franchise is fresh off a rebrand, and they want to bring in a superstar to really make this roster pop. As Friedman told 'The Real Kyper & Bourne,' fans should expect the Mammoth to take a huge run at Marner.

Utah would give lots of anonymity to Mitch Marner. While the fanbase there is solid, it isn't a traditional hockey market like Toronto. This means Marner wouldn't face much harassment from fans, if at all.

Not to mention, the Mammoth have lots of cap space and would be able to offer Marner more than other teams. That said, it's a pretty good situation for the winger.

At this time, the Leafs forward has yet to make his decision to explore free agency official. However, based on everything we have heard from insiders, that decision will be coming soon.

Only time will tell whether or not the Leafs can overcome the odds and bring Marner back for another eight seasons. It is unlikely, but you really never know.