New York Islanders: RFA Target Mitch Marner Headed To Swiss League?

It’s no secret, the New York Islanders and Mitch Marner have been rumored in offer sheets all summer. Marner might be heading to the Swiss League though.

The New York Islanders currently have a hole in the top six after missing out on Artemi Panarin. A name that continuously comes up is RFA Mitch Marner. Marner still hasn’t reached an agreement with Toronto and despite what their GM says, it’ll be difficult for that cap situation to work long-term.

Without a contract Marner isn’t expected to show up to training camp with the Maple Leafs, so he’s been in talks with the Zurich Lions of the Swiss League about practicing with them.

If Marner still remains unsigned next month when training camp opens, which all signs are pointing to, he will likely head to Zurich where teammate Auston Matthews played in 2015-2016.

Marner wants an $11 million deal, and they currently are over the cap as we speak. With LTIR, they could activate $10.55 million in space but that’s only a fix for this year, long-term it’s still a major cap burden.

If it gets to the point that he’s playing in the Swiss League this year how bad of a look is that for the NHL? There are still a ton of guys unsigned as RFA’s with training camp inching closer with each passing August day.

While this is no guarantee that Mitch Marner leaves the Maple Leafs it is a tough look for your leading scorer to be playing in another country.

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