Mitch Marner Has Finally Made His Decision Ahead of Free Agency, per Chris Johnston

According to TSN's Chris Johnston, Mitch Marner will be going shopping on the free agent market on July 1st and will officially be the biggest name available this summer.

While Marner has not ruled out going back to the Maple Leafs, Johnston reports that the winger would like to hear offers from other clubs before committing. Several clubs are already linked to the 27-year-old.

Siobhan Nolan (The Hockey News) and William James (Philly Hockey Now) believe Marner could help hasten the Flyers' rebuild. New York Post's Ethan Sears proposes the Islanders go after Marner if they can create the necessary cap space.

Quentin Carney and Elliotte Friedman brought forward the Utah Mammoth as a rising, low-pressure market but warned the team must ensure the fit on paper and the ice.

The Vegas Golden Knights have also been thrown around in discussions for Marner, per Friedman.

With the potential loss of Marner, attention is now turned toward potential replacements. Michael Traikos of The Hockey News argued that Toronto must go after Sam Bennett, who will also become a UFA.

Bennett's hard-hitting two-way game could bring a new dimension to the Leafs' top-six. But Justin Bourne of Sportsnet cautioned against optimism.

He pointed out Bennett's age, as next month he'll turn 29, and stated that a long-term contract would be a mistake because of his physical style of play, which could lead to injuries and a shortened career.

Instead, Bourne pointed to Winnipeg's Nikolaj Ehlers as a more durable stand-in, given his scoring potential and fit with Toronto's system. The month of July is shaping up to be a dandy.