Western Conference Team Shaping Up As Contenders To Land Mitch Marner

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the Vegas Golden Knights are a team in hot pursuit of the NHL's top free agent in Mitch Marner, although many others were expected to be involved in the race as well.

Now, top NHL Insider Frank Seravalli has revealed that the Anaheim Ducks are firming as a genuine option for Marner, as they have a very young and promising team, but also offer the anonymity that would be appealing to him after spending the last nine seasons in Toronto under the constant microscope.

On paper, the Ducks are a lot less appealing as a team than either Florida or Vegas, both of whom Marner has been linked too, but if he wants to be the best player on a team that's got young stars like Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras, this would be a very good landing spot for the veteran forward.

With so many teams interested in Marner, where he's going to land as of right is a complete mystery, but if Marner wants to leave Toronto due to the constant scrutiny and the pressure that comes with it, don't be shocked to see a team like Anaheim become a genuine landing spot.

Ultimately, it's likely going to come down to money at this point for Marner, as some teams could go well beyond $13 million to land the star winger, and if the Ducks are ready to pay up, they are going to have as good a chance as anyone to land him this off-season.